Method and Apparatus for providing a plug with a 2-steps expansion activated by cup and untethered object
A plug assembly includes an expandable assembly, a locking ring and a cup. The expandable assembly is adapted to be deformed radially over the locking ring and the cup. The locking ring has a stopping inner surface. The plug assembly is used with one or more untethered objects, the untethered objects having an outer surface adapted to couple with the cup, and the cup having an outer surface adapted to couple with the stopping inner surface of the locking ring. The combination of cup and untethered objects is also adapted to contact an inner surface of the plug assembly and, using well fluid pressure, to apply forces to the plug assembly. The forces cause the longitudinal movement of the cup and untethered objects while contacting the inner surface of the plug assembly until the cup contacts the stopping inner surface of the locking ring.
This disclosure relates generally to methods and apparatus for providing a sensing device on a plug inside a tubing string containing well fluid. This disclosure relates more particularly to methods and apparatus for providing a plug with a 2-steps expansion activated by cup and untethered object.
The first nine figures (
The wellbore may have a cased section, represented with tubing string 1. The tubing string contains typically several sections from the surface 12 until the well end. The tubing string represented schematically includes a vertical and horizontal section. The entire tubing string contains a well fluid 2, which can be pumped from surface, such as water, gel, brine, acid, and also coming from downhole formation such as produced fluids, like water and hydrocarbons.
The tubing string 1 can be partially or fully cemented, referred to as cemented stimulation, or partially or fully free within the borehole, referred to as open-hole stimulation. Typically, an open-hole stimulation will include temporary or permanent section isolation between the formation and the inside of the tubing string.
The bottom section of
Each isolation includes a plugging element 3 with its untethered object 5, represented as a spherical ball as one example.
The stimulation and isolation are typically sequential from the well end. At the end of stage 14c, after its stimulation 13, another isolation and stimulation may be performed in the tubing string 1.
There is a continuing need in the art for methods and apparatus for a plug providing a fluid isolation inside a tubing string containing well fluid. Preferably, the plug includes a 2 two-steps expansion process including an activation of cup associated with one or more untethered objects.
For a more detailed description of the embodiments of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings.
It is to be understood that the following disclosure describes several exemplary embodiments for implementing different features, structures, or functions of the invention. Exemplary embodiments of components, arrangements, and configurations are described below to simplify the disclosure; however, these exemplary embodiments are provided merely as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
The description of the apparatus and methods from
As represented in
-
- a continuous expandable seal ring 170,
- an expandable gripping ring 161 which includes one or more anchoring devices, represented as buttons 74,
- a locking ring 180,
- a back-pushing ring 160,
- plus an untethered object 5.
Further description of the separate parts and their features can be found in the description from
All parts of the plug, such as the expandable seal ring 170, the expandable gripping ring 161, the locking ring 180, the back-pushing ring 160, the untethered object 5, may be built out of a combination of dissolvable materials, whether plastics or metals. Dissolvable materials have the capacity to react with surrounding well fluid 2 and degrades in smaller particles over time. After a period of preferably a few hours to a few months, most or all the dissolvable components have degraded to particles remaining in the well fluid 2.
The expandable gripping ring 161 can be built with a preferably cylindrical outer shape separated by slit cuts 162. The slit cuts 162 separate the expandable gripping ring in the same numbers of ring sections 179. The ring sections 179 are kept together as a single part, in the unexpanded state, through a thin section 163, each positioned at the opposite end of the slit cuts 162. Preferably, the number of slit cuts 162, as well as ring sections 179 and thin sections 163, is between 4 and 16. The preferably cylindrical outer shape may contain one diametrical dimension around axis 12, or several sub-cylindrical faces with potentially larger outer curvatures for each ring section 179. The adaptation of the curvatures may be needed to cope with the expanded shape which might be closer to the inside diameter of the tubing string. Other possible features on each or on some of the ring sections 179 are anchoring devices such as buttons 74. Alternatively, slip teeth or rough surfaces, can be used as anchoring devices and be present on the outer surface of the ring sections 179. The purpose of the anchoring devices 74 is to penetrate the inner surface of the tubing string 1 to provide a local anchoring. Alternatively, the anchoring devices may increase the surface friction between the expanding gripping ring 161 and the inner face of the tubing string to an adherence point. The number of buttons 74 may preferably be between 1 and 10 for each ring section 179.
The bottom surface 178 of the expandable gripping ring 161 may include radial directing rails 164. Those rails 164 may preferably be positioned in the center of each ring sections 179.
The back-pushing ring 160 may have the counter shapes of the rails 164, protruding out as radial bars 166.
The two parts 161 and 160 may have therefore a matching feature between each other's, symbolized by the alignment 168.
The inner surface of the back-pushing ring may be cylindrical with openings 167 allowing to position shear screw, shear pins or shear rings.
The locking ring 180 may include on its external surface conical surfaces 181 and 182. The angle of the conical surfaces 181 and 182 may be similar to the angle of the surface 171 of the continuous expandable seal ring 170 and of the surface 165 of the expandable gripping ring 161. The conical surfaces may include a slick conical surface 181 and rough conical surface 182, which may include teeth or corrugated features with a matching pattern compared to surface 165 of the expandable gripping ring 161
The inner surface of the locking ring 180 may include a conical surface 184. With the front section of the locking ring 180 having both an external 181 and internal 184 conical surfaces, it results in a funnel feature. The thickness 186 between both conical surfaces may be thin, in the order of 0.02 in to 0.4 in [0.5 mm to 10 mm]. Further inside the inner surface of the locking ring 180, the conical surface 184 may transition to a hemispherical surface 185 (i.e, a stopping inner surface). The back inner surface may then transition to a cylindrical surface 183.
The untethered object 5 may have the shape of a sphere, or for the purpose of this embodiment only contain a spherical surface which will contact the inner surface 185 of the locking ring 180. As other possible shapes for the untethered object containing a spherical front surface, it may include pill shape or dart shape.
As represented in
The expandable gripping ring 161 may be locked longitudinally with the anchoring devices 74 penetrating inside the tubing string 1. The expandable gripping ring 161 may be also locked radially with locking ring 180. Therefore, the force 251 acting on the expandable continuous seal ring 170 may be guided along the surface 174 contacting the expandable gripping ring 161. The expandable continuous seal ring 170 may expand further radially following the surface 174, represented as a conical surface. A possible groove 169 on the expandable gripping ring 161 may have a similar radial gap to allow this relative radial movement between both parts 161 and 170.
Step 271 corresponds to the deployment of the plug assembly (170, 180, 161, 160) into the tubing string (1) containing well fluid (2). During step 272, the plug assembly with its expandable continuous seal ring (170) is deformed radially, and the expandable gripping ring 161 is expanded radially, both due to the action of a retrievable setting tool (150), over a locking ring (180). During the same step 272, the expandable gripping ring contacts at least one point of the inner surface of the tubing string (1). Then, during step 273, the retrievable setting tool (150), is retrieved. Further during step 274, an untethered object (5), is launched, such as from surface, inside the tubing string (1). Then, during step 275, the untethered object (5) reaches the position of the set plug in step 272 and contacts radially the inner surface of the locking ring (180). Finally, during step 276, the well fluid (2) pressure and flow restriction up-hole of the untethered object (5) is used to act as a force on both the locking ring (180) and the expandable continuous seal ring (170) to enhance the surface contact with the tubing string (1). This isolation state allows performing a downhole operation inside the well.
Step 281 corresponds to the deployment of the plug assembly (170, 180, 161, 160) into the tubing string (1) containing well fluid (2). During step 282, the plug assembly with its expandable continuous seal ring (170) is deformed radially, and the expandable gripping ring (161) is expanded radially, both due to the action of a retrievable setting tool (150), over a locking ring (180). During the same step 272, the expandable gripping ring contacts at least one point of the inner surface of the tubing string (1), while the expandable continuous seal ring (170) is deformed to an outer diameter which is less than the tubing string (1) inner diameter. Then, during step 283, the retrievable setting tool (150), is retrieved. Further during step 284, an untethered object (5), is launched, such as from surface, inside the tubing string (1). Then, during step 275, the untethered object (5) reaches the position of the set plug in step 282 and contacts radially the inner surface of the locking ring (180). Finally, during step 286, the well fluid (2) pressure and flow restriction up-hole of the untethered object (5) is used to act as a force to deform further both the locking ring (180) and the expandable continuous seal ring (170), up to surface contact with the tubing string, allowing further enhanced contact between all plug components from the untethered object (5) to the tubing string (1) passing through the locking ring (180) and expandable continuous seal ring (170). The force also provides enhanced anchoring action on the expandable gripping ring (161). This isolation state allows performing a downhole operation inside the well.
The embodiment is an unset or run-in-hole position. This represents the unactuated or undeformed position for the plug and the retrievable setting tool, which allows traveling inside the tubing string 1.
The plug includes the following components:
-
- the expandable continuous seal ring 170, which may have similar features and shapes as described in
FIG. 12 , - the expandable gripping ring 161 including anchoring devices 74, which may have similar features and shapes as described in
FIG. 11A , - the back-pushing ring 160, which may have similar features and shapes as described in
FIG. 11A . The shear devices 65 may be positioned on the inner diameter of the back-pushing ring 160, - a locking ring 410. The locking ring 410 includes additional features compared to the locking ring 180 previously described in
FIG. 14 . The locking ring 410 may include a flared external surface 426, represented conical, matching the inner surface 165 of the expandable gripping ring 161 and the inner surface 171 of the expandable continuous seal ring 170. The locking ring 410 may include a flared internal surface 427, represented conical, on a first portion of its inner surface. The locking ring 410 may include another flared internal surface 419, represented hemispherical, as second portion of its inner surface. This surface 419 is referred as a stopping surface for the locking ring 410. The locking ring 410 may include finally another inner surface 416, represented conical or cylindrical, as third portion of its inner surface. - a hemispherical cup 411, which will be further described in
FIGS. 42A and 42B .
- the expandable continuous seal ring 170, which may have similar features and shapes as described in
The retrievable setting tool includes the following components:
-
- an external mandrel 414, which may include a cylindrical hollow pocket 418. The hollow pocket 418 may have a channel 415 linking the pocket 418 with the well fluid 2 present inside the tubing string 1. In this representation, the external mandrel 414 may contact the locking ring 410 along the conical surface 416. In addition, the external mandrel 414 may contact the hemispherical cup 411 along a surface 417, represented conical.
- a rod 412 which can move longitudinally within the external mandrel 414. The rod 412 may provide a link to the shear devices 65, securing the longitudinal position of the back-pushing ring 160.
In addition, an untethered object 413 may be included inside the pocket 418 of the external mandrel 414.
This embodiment may be referred to as ‘ball in place’, where the untethered object 413 may be a ball which is included in the retrievable setting tool. Other embodiments for the untethered object 413 may be a pill, a dart, a plunger, preferably with at least a hemispherical or a conical shape.
External plug components visible in
Regarding external retrievable setting tool components visible in
Through the link of the shear devices 65, the rod 412 movement indicated by arrow 430 induced the same longitudinal movement to the back-pushing ring 160. The back-pushing ring induces in turn an expansion movement to the expandable gripping ring 161, which in turn induces an expansion movement through the deformation of the continuous expandable seal ring 170. The expansion of the expandable gripping ring 161 and of the continuous expandable seal ring 170 occurs both longitudinally and radially over the conical external shape of the locking ring 410. The locking ring is held longitudinally in position thanks to the contact 416 with the external mandrel 414, as well as radially in position through the conical contact with the hemispherical cup 411, itself held in position through the conical contact 417 with the external mandrel. To be noted during this expansion process, the hemispherical surface 419 of the locking ring 410 may not come in contact with the hemispherical surface 421 of the hemispherical cup 411.
The expansion process of the expandable gripping ring may end when the anchoring devices 74 penetrates the inner surface of the tubing string 1, and a force equilibrium is established between the anchoring force or friction force created by the anchoring devices 74 with the shear devices 65.
The untethered object 413 may still remain inside the cylindrical pocket 418 of the external mandrel 414.
In
The retrieval of the setting tool lets the set plug component unchanged as described in
The hemispherical cup 411 may stay in position thanks to the friction contact along its conical surface 420 in common with the inner conical surface 427 of the locking ring 410. A lip feature at the edge of the inner surface 427 of the locking ring 410 may be added to avoid separation of the hemispherical cup 411 from the locking ring 410. Such lip feature is further described in another embodiment in
With a sufficient distance of pulling movement indicated by arrow 450, preferably from several inches to several feet [0.1 to 100 m], the release of the untethered object 413 can occur. This release can be initiated preferably from a pumping force indicated by arrow 451 which introduces well fluid 2 through the channel 415, allowing the untethered object to travel towards the set plug. The movement of the untethered object 413 is symbolized with the trajectory 452. Preferably, the well fluid 2 pumping 451 would be initiated from surface. Another possibility to release the untethered object 413 would be addition of a spring inside the hollow pocket 418, which may be compressed with the presence of the untethered object 413 inside the hollow pocket 418 and may exercise an expulsion force to the untethered object toward the opening of the hollow pocket 418. The release of the untethered object 413 through the spring force would occur once the obstruction realized by the hemispherical cup 411 is removed by the separation of the set plug from the external mandrel 414.
In
In this position where no particular force is applied on the untethered object, the hemispherical cup 411 may remain in the same position as described from
The other plug parts remain also in their original set position as described from
In
In this representation, the force 470 has induced a further longitudinal movement of the hemispherical cup 411 and the untethered object 413 contacting the chamfer 424. The longitudinal movement of the hemispherical cup may create a radial deformation of the locking ring through the contact between the outer surface 420 of the hemispherical cup 411 with the inner surface 427 of the locking ring 410. This radial deformation may in turn create a further radial deformation of the expandable continuous seal ring 170.
The further longitudinal movement of the combination of hemispherical cup 411 with untethered object 413 may continue up to stopping surface contact of the hemispherical surface 421 of the hemispherical cup 411 with the corresponding surface 419 on the locking ring 410.
The close-up views allow seeing in more details the further expandable continuous seal ring 170 expansion and forces involved.
In
At this point, the expandable continuous seal ring 170 might not be in contact with the inner surface of the tubing string 1, creating a radial gap 482. This can be due to geometrical variation of the different parts, possible stop of the expansion process of the expandable continuous seal ring 170 before reaching the inner surface contact with the tubing string, and possible elastic restraint effect of the different parts after the setting process as described in
Force 470 is acting on the untethered object 413 and on the hemispherical cup 411, with the two parts being in contact through the chamfer 424 and providing a force indicated by arrow 480 at this contact surface. The resultant force indicated by arrow 481 of these two parts may be directed perpendicular to the conical contact surface 420 with the locking ring 410. This resultant force indicated by arrow 481 may in turn be transmitted towards the expandable continuous seal ring 170, allowing its further deformation and closing of the gap 482.
The expandable gripping ring 161 secured with the anchoring devices 74 inside the tubing string 1 and locked internally by the locking ring 410, might not deform during the further expansion process of the expandable continuous ring 170, and provide a radial sliding guide.
In
The hemispherical cup 411 may now be in contact with the locking ring 410, as described in
The resultant of the force 470 on the untethered object 413 and on the hemispherical cup 411, may now directed towards 483 and 484. Force 483 may compress the expandable continuous seal ring 170 further towards the tubing string, possibly enhancing the sealing feature of the plug. Force 484 may compress the expandable gripping ring 161 further towards the tubing string via the anchoring devices 74, possibly enhancing the anchoring feature of the plug.
Step 491 corresponds to the deployment of a plug assembly (170, 410, 411, 161, 160) including a carried untethered object (413) into the tubing string (1) containing well fluid (2). During step 492, the plug assembly with its expandable continuous seal ring (170) is deformed radially, and the expandable gripping ring (161) is expanded radially, both due to the action of a retrievable setting tool, over a locking ring (410) and hemispherical cup (411). During the same step 492, the expandable gripping ring contacts at least one point of the inner surface of the tubing string (1), while the expandable continuous seal ring (170) is deformed to an outer diameter which may be less than the tubing string (1) inner diameter. Then, during step 493, the retrievable setting tool, is retrieved. Further during step 494, the carried untethered object (413), is released from the setting tool. Then, during step 495, the untethered object (413) contacts radially the inner surface of the hemispherical cup (411). Then, during step 496, the well fluid (2) pressure and flow restriction up-hole of the untethered object (413) and hemispherical cup (411) is used to act as a force to deform further the expandable continuous seal ring (170), up to its outer surface contact with the tubing string (1) inner surface, allowing further enhanced contact between all plug components from the untethered object (413) to the tubing string (1) passing through the hemispherical cup (411), the locking ring (410) and the expandable continuous seal ring (170). The same force may also enhance the anchoring action on the expandable gripping ring (161). This isolation state allows performing a downhole operation inside the well.
The embodiment is an unset or run-in-hole position. This represents the unactuated or undeformed position for the plug and the retrievable setting tool, which allows traveling inside the tubing string 1.
The plug includes the following components:
-
- the expandable continuous seal ring 170, which may have similar features and shapes as described in
FIG. 12 , - the expandable gripping ring 161 including anchoring devices 74, which may have similar features and shapes as described in
FIG. 11A , - the back-pushing ring 160, which may have similar features and shapes as described in
FIG. 11A . The shear device 565, as a shear ring, may be positioned on the inner diameter of the back-pushing ring 160, - a locking ring 510. The locking ring 510 includes similar features and function compared to the locking ring 410 previously described in
FIG. 19A . Additional features or details will be described inFIG. 39 . - a hemispherical cup 511. The hemispherical cup 511 includes similar features and function compared to the locking ring 410 previously described in
FIGS. 20A and 20B . Additional features or details will be described inFIGS. 38A and 38B .
- the expandable continuous seal ring 170, which may have similar features and shapes as described in
The retrievable setting tool includes the following components:
-
- an external mandrel 514. The external mandrel 514 include includes similar features and function compared to the external mandrel 414 previously described in
FIG. 19A , without hollow pocket 418. In this representation, the external mandrel 514 may contact the locking ring 510 along the conical surface 516. In addition, the external mandrel 514 may contact the hemispherical cup 511 along a surface 517, represented cylindrical. - a rod 512 which can move longitudinally within the external mandrel 514. The rod 512 is represented as a hollow cylinder. The rod 512 may provide a link to the shear ring 565, securing the longitudinal position of the back-pushing ring 160.
- an end cylinder 513, securing the position of the shear ring 565 on the rod 512.
- an external mandrel 514. The external mandrel 514 include includes similar features and function compared to the external mandrel 414 previously described in
Through the link of the shear ring 565, the rod 512 movement indicated by arrow 530 induced the same longitudinal movement to the back-pushing ring 160. The back-pushing ring induces in turn an expansion movement to the expandable gripping ring 161, which in turn induces an expansion movement through the deformation of the continuous expandable seal ring 170. The expansion of the expandable gripping ring 161 and of the continuous expandable seal ring 170 occurs both longitudinally and radially over the conical external shape of the locking ring 510. The locking ring is held longitudinally in position thanks to the contact 516 with the external mandrel 514, as well as radially in position through the conical contact with the hemispherical cup 511, itself held in position through the surface contact 517 with the external mandrel. To be noted during this expansion process, the hemispherical surface 519 of the locking ring 510 may not come in contact with the hemispherical surface 521 of the hemispherical cup 511.
The expansion process of the expandable gripping ring 161 may end when the anchoring devices 74 penetrates the inner surface of the tubing string 1, and a force equilibrium is established between the anchoring force or friction force created by the anchoring devices 74 with the shear ring 565.
The retrieval of the setting tool lets the set plug component unchanged as described in
The hemispherical cup 511 may stay in position thanks to the friction contact along its conical surface 520 in common with the inner conical surface 527 of the locking ring 510. A lip feature at the edge of the inner surface 527 of the locking ring 510 may be added to avoid separation of the hemispherical cup 511 from the locking ring 510. Such lip feature is further described in
In this position, if no well fluid 2 flow is applied, no particular force is applied on the untethered object 5, the hemispherical cup 511 may remain in the same position as described from
In
In this representation, the force 571 has induced a further longitudinal movement of the hemispherical cup 511 and the untethered object 5 contacting the chamfer 524. The longitudinal movement of the hemispherical cup may create a radial deformation of the locking ring through the contact between the outer surface 520 of the hemispherical cup 511 with the inner surface 527 of the locking ring 510. This radial deformation may in turn create a further radial deformation of the expandable continuous seal ring 170.
The further longitudinal movement of the combination of hemispherical cup 511 with untethered object 513 may continue up to stopping surface contact of the hemispherical surface 521 of the hemispherical cup 511 with the corresponding surface 519 on the locking ring 510.
The close-up views allow seeing in more details the further expandable continuous seal ring 170 expansion and forces involved.
In
At this point, the expandable continuous seal ring 170 might not be in contact with the inner surface of the tubing string 1, creating a radial gap 582. This can be due to geometrical variation of the different parts, possible stop of the expansion process of the expandable continuous seal ring 170 before reaching the inner surface contact with the tubing string, and possible elastic restraint effect of the different parts after the setting process as described in
Force 571 is acting on the untethered object 5 and on the hemispherical cup 511, with the two parts being in contact through the chamfer 424 and providing a force indicated by arrow 580 at this contact surface. The resultant force indicated by arrow 581 of these two parts may be directed perpendicular to the conical contact surface 520 with the locking ring 510. This resultant force indicated by arrow 581 may in turn be transmitted towards the expandable continuous seal ring 170, allowing its further deformation and closing of the gap 482.
The expandable gripping ring 161 secured with the anchoring devices 74 inside the tubing string 1 and locked internally by the locking ring 510, might not deform during the further expansion process of the expandable continuous ring 170, and provide a radial sliding guide.
In
The hemispherical cup 511 may now be in contact with the locking ring 510, as described in
The resultant of the force 571 on the untethered object 5 and on the hemispherical cup 511, may now directed towards 581 and 584. Force 581 may compress the expandable continuous seal ring 170 further towards the tubing string, possibly enhancing the sealing feature of the plug. Force 584 may compress the expandable gripping ring 161 further towards the tubing string via the anchoring devices 74, possibly enhancing the anchoring feature of the plug.
The locking ring 510 may include a first inner surface 527, which matches in shape and angle the corresponding first outer surface 520 of the hemispherical cup 511. The first inner surface 527 is represented conical with an angle between 2 and 30 deg relative to the axis 12, and similar with the angle of surface 520 of the hemispherical cup 511.
The locking ring 510 may include a second inner surface 519, which matches in shape and angular variation the corresponding first outer surface 521 of the hemispherical cup 511. The surface 519 represents the stopping surface as possible ending contact with the surface 521 of the hemispherical cup 511, after expansion of the first surface 527 through longitudinal movement of hemispherical cup 511 towards the locking ring 510.
The locking ring 510 may include a third inner surface 525, which matches in shape and angle the corresponding surface 516 of the external mandrel 514.
The locking ring 510 may include an external flared surface 526, represented conical, which matches in angle the inner surface 171 of the expandable continuous sealing ring 170 and the inner surface 165 of the expandable gripping ring 161. A section 528 of the external flared surface 526 may include circular teeth or rough surface to improve the locking the expandable gripping ring 161 on its internal surface 165.
The two surfaces 527 and 526 may have a similar angular orientation, keeping a thickness between the two surfaces in a thin range, typically from 0.02 and 0.4 inches [0.5 to 10 mm].
The locking ring 510 may include a recess lip 529 at the highest diameter of the internal first surface 527. The recess lip 529 is designed to let the assembly of the hemispherical cup 511 by slight compression over the external surface 520, while providing an anti-return for the hemispherical cup 511, once the locking ring 510 and hemispherical cup 511 are assembled together, as part of the plug assembly prior to being deployed.
Step 591 corresponds to the deployment of a plug assembly (170, 510, 511, 161, 160) into the tubing string (1) containing well fluid (2). During step 592, the plug assembly with its expandable continuous seal ring (170) is deformed radially, and the expandable gripping ring (161) is expanded radially, both due to the action of a retrievable setting tool, over a locking ring (510) and hemispherical cup (511). During the same step 592, the expandable gripping ring (161) contacts at least one point of the inner surface of the tubing string (1), while the expandable continuous seal ring (170) is deformed to an outer diameter which may be less than the tubing string (1) inner diameter. Then, during step 593, the retrievable setting tool, is retrieved. Further during step 594, untethered object (413), is launched from surface. Then, during step 595, the untethered object (5) contacts radially the inner surface of the hemispherical cup (511). Then, during step 596, the well fluid (2) pressure and flow restriction up-hole of the untethered object (5) and hemispherical cup (511) is used to act as a force to deform further the expandable continuous seal ring (170), up to its outer surface contact with the tubing string (1) inner surface, allowing further enhanced contact between all plug components from the untethered object (5) to the tubing string (1) passing through the hemispherical cup (511), the locking ring (510) and the expandable continuous seal ring (170). The same force may also enhance the anchoring action on the expandable gripping ring (161). This isolation state allows performing a downhole operation inside the well.
In
Further, both shafts extensions 615 are connected the back-pushing ring 660 through two shear rings 665, each secured by an end cylinder 613.
In
Step 691 corresponds to the deployment of a plug assembly (170, 410, 411, 161, 160) including multiple carried untethered objects (605) into the tubing string (1) containing well fluid (2). During step 492, the plug assembly with its expandable continuous seal ring (170) is deformed radially, and the expandable gripping ring (161) is expanded radially, both due to the action of a retrievable setting tool, over a locking ring (610) and hemispherical cup (611). During the same step 692, the expandable gripping ring contacts at least one point of the inner surface of the tubing string (1), while the expandable continuous seal ring (170) is deformed to an outer diameter which may be less than the tubing string (1) inner diameter. Then, during step 693, the retrievable setting tool, is retrieved. Further during step 694, multiple carried untethered objects (605), are released from the setting tool. Then, during step 695, the multiple untethered objects (605) contacts radially multiple corresponding inner surfaces of the hemispherical cup (611). Then, during step 696, the well fluid (2) pressure and flow restriction up-hole of the multiple untethered objects (605) and hemispherical cup (611) is used to act as a force to deform further the expandable continuous seal ring (170), up to its outer surface contact with the tubing string (1) inner surface, allowing further enhanced contact between all plug components from the multiple untethered objects (605) to the tubing string (1) passing through the hemispherical cup (611), the locking ring (610) and the expandable continuous seal ring (170). The same force may also enhance the anchoring action on the expandable gripping ring (161). This isolation state allows performing a downhole operation inside the well.
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. (canceled)
3. (canceled)
4. (canceled)
5. (canceled)
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11. (canceled)
12. (canceled)
13. (canceled)
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21. (canceled)
22. A plugging apparatus, for use inside a tubing string containing well fluid, comprising:
- a plug assembly including: an expandable assembly, comprising a continuous sealing portion and a gripping portion, a locking ring, a cup wherein the expandable assembly includes a flared inner surface, wherein the locking ring includes a flared outer surface, a stopping inner surface, and a flared portion, wherein the flared portion of the locking ring includes a flared inner surface positioned opposite of the flared outer surface, wherein the cup includes a flared outer surface, a stopping outer surface and multiple identical stopping inner surfaces, wherein the flared outer surface of the locking ring is contacting the flared inner surface of the expandable assembly, wherein the flared outer surface of the cup is contacting the flared inner surface of the locking ring, wherein the stopping outer surface of the cup is adapted to couple with the stopping inner surface of the locking ring; wherein the locking ring includes a flared outer surface and a stopping inner surface, wherein the flared inner surface of the expandable assembly is contacting the flared outer surface of the locking ring, and wherein the expandable assembly is adapted to be deformed radially;
- multiple identical untethered objects, wherein the multiple identical untethered objects include each an outer surface adapted to couple with the multiple identical stopping inner surfaces of the cup and, using well fluid pressure, to apply forces to the plug assembly to cause: the radial deformation of the flared portion of the locking ring, the radial deformation of the continuous sealing portion of the expandable assembly, the contact of an internal surface of the tubing string with the continuous sealing portion of the expandable assembly, the longitudinal movement of the cup while contacting the inner surface of the locking ring until the stopping outer surface of the cup contacts the stopping inner surface of the locking ring, and the penetration of the internal surface of the tubing string at least at one point with the gripping portion of the expandable assembly.
23. The apparatus of claim 22, further comprising a back-pushing ring and a retrievable setting tool, wherein the retrievable setting tool is adapted to displace the back-pushing ring causing the radial deformation of the expandable assembly over the flared outer surface of the locking ring.
24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the retrievable setting tool includes a mandrel and multiple rods,
- wherein the mandrel has a surface including one or more of annular, conical, and spherical portions,
- wherein the mandrel contacts the inner surface of the locking ring with the surface including one or more of annular, conical, and spherical portions,
- wherein the number of rods relate to the number of untethered objects and corresponding number of stopping inner surfaces of the cup,
- wherein the multiple rod couples to the back-pushing ring with multiple preset load-shearing devices.
25. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the,
- wherein the retrievable setting tool is configured to be retrieved, after the radial expansion of the expandable assembly
- wherein the multiple untethered objects are included inside the retrievable setting tool,
- wherein the multiple untethered objects are released from the retrievable setting tool after the radial expansion of the expandable assembly and before the retrieval of the retrievable setting tool.
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 25, 2021
Publication Date: Feb 15, 2024
Inventor: Gregoire Max Jacob (Houston, TX)
Application Number: 18/270,859