Abstract: A setting tool can include a hydraulic setting mechanism that actuates in response to a level of a pressure differential between a central flow passage and an exterior of the setting tool, and a check valve assembly that permits flow between sections of the central flow passage in one direction but prevents flow in an opposite direction. One of the sections is in fluid communication with an exterior of the setting tool. A method of setting a well tool can include deploying the well tool and a setting tool into a well, and applying a pressure differential across a check valve assembly of the setting tool, thereby setting the well tool. In the deploying step, the setting tool includes the check valve assembly.

Abstract: A packer is used for setting downhole in tubing subject to downhole flow at a high flow rate. The packer includes a setting element, a slip element, and a packing element. The setting element is disposed on the packer toward an uphole end and is activated hydraulically to move in a downhole direction toward a downhole end of the packer. The slip element is disposed toward the downhole end and is moveable outward toward the tubing in a first stage in response to the movement of the setting element. The packing element is disposed on the other elements and is at least partially carried by the setting element. The packing element is compressible outward toward the tubing in a second stage, after the first stage, in response to the movement of the setting element. Additionally, a choke ring or other element disposed on the packer at least downhole of the packing element can move outward toward the tubing in response to the setting movement to restrict the downhole flow in the annulus to a lower flow rate.

Abstract: A packer is used for setting downhole in tubing subject to downhole flow at a high flow rate. The packer includes a setting element, a slip element, and a packing element. The setting element is disposed on the packer toward an uphole end and is activated hydraulically to move in a downhole direction toward a downhole end of the packer. The slip element is disposed toward the downhole end and is moveable outward toward the tubing in a first stage in response to the movement of the setting element. The packing element is disposed on the other elements and is at least partially carried by the setting element. The packing element is compressible outward toward the tubing in a second stage, after the first stage, in response to the movement of the setting element. Additionally, a choke ring or other element disposed on the packer at least downhole of the packing element can move outward toward the tubing in response to the setting movement to restrict the downhole flow in the annulus to a lower flow rate.

Abstract: A slip assembly for a downhole tool, such as a bridge plug, has a slip body and at least one insert unit with a base and one or more inserts. The slip body has an incline at one end that interfaces with an inclined surface of a cone. As this occurs, the slip body is pushed away from the tool's mandrel against a surrounding casing wall. The insert unit is disposed in the slip body with the base oriented at an angle relative to the incline, and with the one or more inerts extending from the base. In particular, the base can be disposed at or parallel to the incline, and the one or more inserts with less surface area than the base can extend perpendicular to the inline for the insert's distal ends to engage a surrounding wall of casing or the like.

Abstract: A slip assembly for a downhole tool, such as a bridge plug, has a slip body and at least one insert unit with a base and one or more inserts. The slip body has an incline at one end that interfaces with an inclined surface of a cone. As this occurs, the slip body is pushed away from the tool's mandrel against a surrounding casing wall. The insert unit is disposed in the slip body with the base oriented at an angle relative to the incline, and with the one or more inerts extending from the base. In particular, the base can be disposed at or parallel to the incline, and the one or more inserts with less surface area than the base can extend perpendicular to the inline for the insert's distal ends to engage a surrounding wall of casing or the like.

Abstract: A downhole tool slip mechanism including a cone, cage, and slip disposed on a mandrel. The cone and cage can be move in relation to one another, and the cone may be locked into place during run-in and retrieval downhole. The cage contains slip slots contains a spring retaining finger for a spring that resides between the retention finger and the slip. This spring serves to bias the slip inward during run-in and retrieval. The slip slots have load-bearing shoulders used to engage the slip during retrieval. The slips outer surface is completely covered in wickers so that the slip can sustain greater loads when set in place. Additionally, the slip has load-bearing shoulders with an increased thickness cross-section to sustain greater loads during retrieval while minimizing slip and cage failures.

Abstract: A slip assembly for a downhole tool, such as a bridge plug, has a slip body composed of independent segments. The segments are affixed together along their longitudinal sides by a bond, which can be composed of thermoplastic or thermoset resins, an elastomer, epoxy adhesives, bonding agent manufactured using ceramic, metallic agent, or a combination of these. The surface area over which the bonding agent is applied can be controlled for a particular implementation. Thus, more or less of the longitudinal sides of the segments can be bonded to other segments. This provides greater control of the required force to break the bond itself, which can be tailored as desired.

Abstract: A downhole tool slip mechanism including a cone, cage, and slip disposed on a mandrel. The cone and cage can be move in relation to one another, and the come may be locked into place during run-in and retrieval downhole. The cage contains slip slots contains a spring retaining finger for a spring that resides between the retention finger and the slip. This spring serves to bias the slip inward during run-in and retrieval. The slip slots have load-bearing shoulders used to engage the slip during retrieval. The slips outer surface is completely covered in wickers so that the slip can sustain greater loads when set in place. Additionally, the slip has load-bearing shoulders with an increased thickness cross-section to sustain greater loads during retrieval while minimizing slip and cage failures.