ANEL ANTIEXTRUSÃO, CONJUNTO DE OBTURADOR E MÉTODO DE ISOLAMENTO DE UMA REGIÃO

Description

1 / 30 ANTI-EXTRUSION RING, SHUTTER ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR ISOLATING A REGION FUNDAMENTALS Field

[001] The embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to downhole packers, downhole packer assemblies, and downhole tools employing the packers and packer assemblies. Description of the Related Technique

[002] In the resource recovery industry, more specifically in hydrocarbon recovery, sealing tools such as mechanical plugs and packer elements are used to isolate production zones to control downhole pressure and fluids. Packers, temporary or permanent, include packer elements that provide a seal to prevent fluid flow from zones downstream of the packer element to zones upstream of the packer element. During operation, an upper calibration ring and a lower calibration ring of a packer compress the packer element so that the packer element expands radially outward toward the surrounding casing. The expansion results in the packer contacting the casing and creating a seal. Petition 870260053149, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 9 / 39 2 / 30 between the upstream and downstream zones of the lining.

[003] However, shutter elements are prone to extrusion under high pressure and force. Failure of shutter elements due to extrusion can compromise the seal between the upstream and downstream zones. Anti-extrusion rings have been used to minimize shutter element extrusion at high pressures. Current recoverable shutter systems consist of springs designed to assist with the uniform compression and expansion of the segments and allow recovery of the shutter systems. However, current anti-extrusion devices are sometimes vulnerable to failure, compromising the effectiveness of the anti-extrusion ring. In particular, contamination of the area around the spring can lead to spring failure, which in turn leads to failure of the anti-extrusion ring.Failure of the anti-extrusion ring can result in pieces of the anti-extrusion ring falling to the bottom of the well, making the pieces unrecoverable and hindering the ability to recover the packer elements.

[004] Therefore, there is a need for shutters and shutter systems that prevent or minimize destructive extrusion of shutter elements. SUMMARY

[005] In one embodiment, a shutter assembly with an anti-extrusion ring is revealed. The anti-extrusion ring Petition 870260053149, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 10 / 39 3 / 30 includes a first ring comprising a plurality of first ring segments, a second ring comprising a plurality of second ring segments, a spring arranged in a spring channel, and a plurality of retaining screws. Each first ring segment of the plurality of first ring segments includes a first ring segment spring channel and a retaining screw connector. Each second ring segment of the second ring segments includes a second ring segment spring channel and a retaining screw expansion channel formed through the second ring. The spring channel includes the first ring segment spring channels and the second ring segment spring channels. The retaining screws are arranged in the retaining screw expansion channel and coupled to the retaining screw connector.

[006] In another embodiment, a shutter system is disclosed. The shutter assembly includes a tubular body, a mandrel circumferentially surrounding the tubular body, a calibration ring, an anti-extrusion ring, a force ring, and a shutter element. The anti-extrusion ring includes a first ring comprising a plurality of first ring segments, a second ring comprising a plurality of second ring segments, a spring arranged in a spring channel, and a plurality of retaining screws. Each first ring segment of the plurality of Petition 870260053149, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 11 / 39 The first 4 / 30 ring segments include a first ring segment spring channel and a retaining screw connector. Each second ring segment of the second ring segments includes a second ring segment spring channel and a retaining screw expansion channel formed through the second ring. The spring channel comprises the first ring segment spring channels and the second ring segment spring channels. The retaining screws are arranged in the retaining screw expansion channel and coupled to the retaining screw connector.

[007] In yet another embodiment, a method of isolating a region in the bottom hole between packer assemblies is disclosed. The method involves deploying a packer system comprising a packer assembly in a casing. A force is applied to an anti-extrusion ring of the packer assembly using a calibration ring of the packer assembly. The anti-extrusion ring consists of a first ring comprising a plurality of first ring segments, a second ring comprising a plurality of second ring segments, a spring arranged in a spring channel, and a retaining screw coupling the first ring and the second ring. The application of force to the anti-extrusion ring expands the anti-extrusion ring and a packer element radially outward and forms a seal against the casing with the packer element. Petition 870260053149, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 12 / 39 5 / 30 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[008] In order that the manner in which the above-mentioned features of the present disclosure may be understood in detail, a more specific description of the disclosure, briefly summarized above, may be obtained by reference to the embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the attached drawings. It should be noted, however, that the attached drawings illustrate only exemplary embodiments and, therefore, should not be considered limiting of its scope, and may admit other equally effective embodiments.

[009] Figure 1A is a perspective view of a shutter system, according to the embodiments in this document.

[0010] Figure 1B is a perspective view of a wellbore seal assembly in a seal system having an anti-extrusion ring in a non-compressed position disposed over it, according to the embodiments in this document.

[0011] Figure 1C is a cross-sectional view of a shutter assembly having the anti-extrusion ring in the non-compressed position disposed therein, according to the embodiments in this document.

[0012] Figure 1D is a perspective view of a Petition 870260053149, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 13 / 39 6 / 30 shutter assembly having an anti-extrusion ring in a compressed position disposed therein, according to the embodiments in this document.

[0013] Figure 1E is a cross-sectional view of a shutter assembly having the anti-extrusion ring in the compressed position disposed therein, according to the embodiments in this document.

[0014] Figure 2A is a cross-sectional view of a shutter assembly having an anti-extrusion ring in the non-compressed position disposed within a jacket, according to the embodiments in this document.

[0015] Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view of a shutter assembly having the anti-extrusion ring in the compressed position disposed within the coating, according to the embodiments in this document.

[0016] Figure 3A is a perspective view of an anti-extrusion ring in a non-compressed position, according to the embodiments in this document.

[0017] Figure 3B is a side view of an anti-extrusion ring in a non-compressed position, according to the embodiments in this document.

[0018] Figure 3C is a perspective view, including a partially transparent portion of an anti-extrusion ring, according to the embodiments in this document.

[0019] The 3D figure is a partial perspective view. Petition 870260053149, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, p. 14 / 39 7 / 30 of a retaining groove of an anti-extrusion ring, according to the embodiments in this document.

[0020] Figure 4A is a perspective view of an anti-extrusion ring in a non-compressed position, according to the embodiments in this document.

[0021] Figure 4B is a side view of an anti-extrusion ring in a non-compressed position, according to the embodiments in this document.

[0022] Figure 4C is a side view of an anti-extrusion ring in a compressed position, according to the embodiments in this document.

[0023] Figure 4D is a perspective view, including a partially transparent portion of an anti-extrusion ring, according to the embodiments in this document.

[0024] Figure 4E is a partial perspective view of an anti-extrusion ring retaining groove, according to the embodiments in this document.

[0025] Figure 4F is an exploded perspective view of an anti-extrusion ring, according to the embodiments in this document.

[0026] Figure 5 is a flow diagram of a method for deploying a shutter system with an anti-extrusion ring, according to the embodiments in this document.

[0027] To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used where possible, for Petition 870260053149, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 15 / 39 8 / 30 designate identical elements that are common to the figures. It is considered that elements and characteristics of one modality can be beneficially incorporated into other modalities without the need for additional recitation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to downhole packers, downhole packer assemblies, and downhole tools employing the packers and packer assemblies. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a packer assembly having a retractable anti-extrusion ring disposed adjacent to an upper and lower surface of one or more packer elements arranged in a packer system.

[0029] Figure 1A is a perspective view of a 170 shutter system. The 170 shutter system may be the EXPRO BRUTE® recoverable service shutter. The 100 shutter assembly is run into the wellbore to reach a desired region in the wellbore for which isolation is desired. The 170 shutter system may be attached to piping both upstream and downstream of the 170 shutter system to run the 170 shutter system to the desired depth in the wellbore. In some applications, a series of 170 shutter systems may be used to isolate multiple reservoirs or regions in the Petition 870260053149, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 16 / 39 9 / 30 wellbore at various depths. The 170 packer system includes a packer assembly 100 and a drag block section 172. The drag block section 172 provides the friction required to initiate the packer system 170 setup process. A tool (not shown) tensions the packer system 170 and rotates it to a set position. The tool then applies an axial force to the packer system 170, causing the wedges 173 to extend radially outward and grip the inner surface of the casing surrounding the packer system 170. Simultaneously, the same axial force causes the packer assembly 100 to expand radially outward and form a seal against the casing.

[0030] Figure 1B is a perspective view of the downhole shutter assembly 100 in the shutter system 170 having an anti-extrusion ring 102 in an uncompressed position disposed at an upper and lower end of the shutter assembly 100. Figure 1C is a cross-sectional view of the shutter assembly 100 of Figure 1B in the uncompressed position. The shutter assembly 100 includes a tubular body 101, one or more anti-extrusion rings 102 (for example, an upper (or first) anti-extrusion ring 102A and a lower (or second) anti-extrusion ring 102B), a mandrel 104 that circumferentially surrounds the tubular body 101, one or more shutter elements 106 Petition 870260053149, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 17 / 39 10 / 30 (for example, an upper shutter element 106A and a lower shutter element 106B), one or more calibration rings 108 (for example, a first or upper calibration ring 108A and a second or lower calibration ring 108B), a separator 110 and one or more force rings 112 (for example, a first or upper force ring 112A and a second or lower force ring 112B). The tubular body 101 defines a fluid flow / pumping volume 103. Generally, the term upper refers to the component that is arranged upstream in the shutter system 170, while the term lower refers to a component that is arranged downstream in the shutter system 170.

[0031] The anti-extrusion rings 102 comprise an inner ring 120 (e.g., a first ring), an outer ring 122 (e.g., a second ring), and a spring 124. The anti-extrusion rings 102 circumferentially encircle the mandrel 104. Generally, the term inner refers to a direction closer to the separator 110, while the term outer refers to a direction farther from the separator 110. The inner ring 120 includes a plurality of inner ring segments 130, and the outer ring 122 includes a plurality of outer ring segments 132. Each inner ring segment 130 includes an inner ring segment spring channel 140, and each outer ring segment 132 includes an outer ring segment spring channel 142. A spring channel 135 is Petition 870260053149, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 18 / 39 11 / 30 formed from a plurality of inner ring segment spring channels 140 and a plurality of outer ring segment spring channels 142. When assembled, the inner ring segment spring channels 140 and the outer ring segment spring channels 142 are aligned to form the spring channel 135. The spring channel 135 includes an opening on the outer side of the spring 124. The spring channel 135, together with the calibration rings 108, surrounds (e.g., fully contains) the spring 124. The spring channel 135 houses the spring 124 and protects the spring 124 from contamination under production conditions, for example, the spring channel 135 prevents potential spring failure due to debris intrusion. In some embodiments, the spring 124 is a single continuous spring. In other embodiments, the spring 124 is a series of springs.

[0032] The inner ring 120 includes an inner angled surface 121 and the outer ring 122 includes an outer angled surface 123. The outer angled surface 123 of the outer ring 122 is in contact with an inner angled surface 109 of the calibration rings 108. Each force ring 112 includes an outer angled surface 113 and an inner flat surface 114. The outer angled surface 113 of the force ring 112 is in contact with the inner angled surface 121 of the inner ring 120 of the anti-extrusion ring 102. Petition 870260053149, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 19 / 39 12 / 30

[0033] The separator 110 is disposed between the upper (or first) element of the shutter 106A and the lower (or first) element of the shutter 106B while in the uncompressed position. The shutter elements 106 include an elastomeric material. The force rings 112 are disposed between one or more shutter elements and the anti-extrusion rings 102 while in the uncompressed position. A force (e.g., the exhaust pipe force applied by the tool) is applied to the anti-extrusion rings 102 by means of the calibration rings 108 which move the anti-extrusion rings 102 from the uncompressed position to the compressed position.When force is applied to the anti-extrusion rings 102 by the calibration ring 108, the outer angled surface 123 of the outer ring 122 of the anti-extrusion rings 102 and the inner angled surface 109 of the calibration ring 108 slide relative to each other so that the outer ring 122 expands radially outward from the mandrel 104 and moves towards the separator 110. Similarly, when force is applied to the anti-extrusion rings 102 by the calibration ring 108, the outer angled surface 113 of the force ring 112 and the inner angled surface 121 of the inner ring 120 of the anti-extrusion rings 102 slide relative to each other so that the inner ring 120 expands radially outward from the mandrel 104 and moves towards the separator 110. Petition 870260053149, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 20 / 39 13 / 30 As the inner ring 120 and the outer ring 122 expand radially outward, the spring 124 expands radially outward with the inner ring 120 and the outer ring 122. As the spring 124 expands radially outward, the spring 124 is loaded with a force directed towards the mandrel 104.

[0034] Figure 1D is a side view of the shutter assembly 100 with the anti-extrusion rings 102 in a compressed position. Figure 1E is a cross-sectional view of the shutter assembly 100 as shown in Figure 1D in the compressed position. The movement of the anti-extrusion ring 102 towards the separator 110 causes the inner portions of the upper shutter element 106A and the lower shutter element 106B to press against an upper side wall 115 and a lower side wall 116, respectively, of the separator 110. Thus, the movement of the anti-extrusion ring 102 towards the separator 110 compresses the shutter elements 106. The compression of the shutter elements 106 causes the shutter elements 106 to expand radially outward. While in the compressed position, the separator 110 is in contact with the adjacent force rings 112.The separator 110 and the inner flat surface 114 of the force rings 112 provide a uniform force against the upper shutter element 106A and the lower shutter element 106B as the anti-extrusion rings. Petition 870260053149, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 21 / 39 14 / 30 102 are moved from the uncompressed position to the compressed position.

[0035] To remove the packing system 170 from the wellbore after operations, the force applied to the anti-extrusion rings 102 by the calibration rings 108 is released. The force that was loaded onto the spring 124 applies a force towards the mandrel 104 to contract the inner rings 120 and the outer rings 122 towards the mandrel 104. The contraction of the anti-extrusion rings 102 releases the force from the force rings 112 on the upper packing element 106A and the lower packing element 106B. The upper packing element 106A and the lower packing element 106B are not compressed and contract radially inwards towards the mandrel 104.

[0036] Figure 2A is a cross-sectional view of the packer assembly 100 having the anti-extrusion rings 102 in the uncompressed position, positioned in the bottom hole within a casing 202. Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view of the packer assembly 100 from Figure 2A having the anti-extrusion rings 102 in the compressed position. The casing 202 annularly surrounds the packer assembly 100, forming an outer volume 255. While in the uncompressed position, the packer assembly 100 is capable of being deployed in the bottom hole within the casing 202. Petition 870260053149, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 22 / 39 15 / 30

[0037] In the compressed position, the upper shutter element 106A and the lower shutter element 106B are compressed radially outward to form a seal against the lining 202 between an upper zone 250 of the outer volume 255 and a lower zone 260 of the outer volume 255. The seal prevents fluid flow from the lower zone 260 to the upper zone 250. As the anti-extrusion rings 102 expand radially outward from the uncompressed to the compressed position, the angled inner surfaces 121 of the inner rings 120 provide a uniform force to the upper shutter element 106A and the lower shutter element 106B as the upper shutter element 106A and the lower shutter element 106B are radially compressed beyond the separator 110 and the force rings 112.The radially outward movement of the anti-extrusion rings 102 prevents the upper obturator element 106A and the lower obturator element 106B from extruding beyond the calibration rings 108 and ultimately failing while subjected to large forces. Failure of the obturator elements can cause a seal rupture, leading to fluid flow from the lower zone 260 to the upper zone 250. Failure of the anti-extrusion rings 102 can further result in pieces of the anti-extrusion ring 102 falling to the bottom of the well, making the pieces of the anti-extrusion rings 102 unrecoverable. Petition 870260053149, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, p. 23 / 39 16 / 30 thus hindering the ability to recover the shutter elements.

[0038] After the completion of downhole operations requiring the deployment of the packer system 170, the force applied to the anti-extrusion rings 102 by the calibration rings 108 is released. The force that was loaded onto the spring 124 applies a force towards the mandrel 104 to contract the inner rings 120 and the outer rings 122 towards the mandrel 104. The contraction of the anti-extrusion rings 102 releases the force from the force rings 112 on the upper packer element 106A and the lower packer element 106B. The upper packer element 106A and the lower packer element 106B are not compressed and contract radially inward towards the mandrel 104. The decompression of the upper packer element 106A and the lower packer element 106B allows the packer elements to be removed from the casing 202.

[0039] Figure 3A is a perspective view of an anti-extrusion ring 102 in the uncompressed position. Figure 3B is a side view of the anti-extrusion ring 102 in the uncompressed position. Figure 3C is a perspective view of a partially transparent portion of the anti-extrusion ring 102. Figure 3D is a perspective view of the retaining groove 384 of the anti-extrusion ring 102. The anti-extrusion ring 102 additionally includes a retaining screw 380. Each segment of Petition 870260053149, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 24 / 39 The outer ring 132 of the outer ring 122 further comprises a retaining screw receiver 382, ​​a retaining groove 384, and a retaining screw expansion channel 386. The retaining screw 380 includes a screw head 392 and a threaded connecting end 394 distal to the screw head 392. The screw head 392 is dimensioned to be larger than the retaining screw expansion channel 386 so that the screw head 392 is prevented from entering the retaining screw expansion channel 386. The retaining screw receiver 382 is a circular opening in the angled outer surface 123 of the outer ring 122 of the anti-extrusion ring 102. The retaining groove 384 is an L-shaped cavity within the outer ring 122 of the anti-extrusion ring 102 and is open in the side wall of the outer ring 122. The expansion channel of Retaining screw 386 is an oblong oval passage in a bottom surface of retaining groove 384.The retaining screw receiver 382 is configured to allow the retaining screw 380 to enter the retaining groove 384 and the retaining screw expansion channel 386. The retaining screw receiver 382, ​​the retaining groove 384, and the retaining screw expansion channel 386 being incorporated into the outer ring 122 reduces the number of ways in which extrusion of the obturator element can occur, since the outer ring 122 is not in direct contact with the elements. Petition 870260053149, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 25 / 39 18 / 30 shutter 106.

[0040] The retaining screw expansion channel 386 allows radial outward expansion of the anti-extrusion ring 102 during the anti-extrusion ring's transition from the uncompressed to the compressed position. As force is applied by the calibration rings 108 to the anti-extrusion ring 102 and the anti-extrusion ring 102 expands radially outward, the retaining screw 380 moves within the retaining screw expansion channel 386 to facilitate radial outward expansion of the anti-extrusion ring 102, while maintaining the connection between the inner ring 120 and the outer ring 122.

[0041] Each inner ring segment 130 of the inner ring 120 includes a retaining screw connector 390. The retaining screw expansion channel 386 is configured to receive the retaining screw 380 via the retaining screw receiver 382. The retaining screw expansion channel 386 is formed in the outer ring segment 132 such that the retaining screw 380 extends through the outer ring segment 132 via the retaining screw expansion channel 386. The retaining screw connector 390 of the inner ring segment 130 is threaded and is coupled to the threaded connection end 394 of the retaining screw 380. It should be noted that other connection types could be employed and are contemplated in this document. Petition 870260053149, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 26 / 39 19 / 30 The connecting end 394 being coupled to the retaining screw connector 390, together with the screw head 392 being dimensioned larger than the retaining screw expansion channel 386, couples the inner ring segment 130 to the outer ring segment 132 (and consequently, couples the inner ring 120 to the outer ring 122). The coupling of the inner ring 120 to the outer ring 122 allows the retention of all components of the anti-extrusion ring 102 in the event of a spring failure. Thus, a spring failure does not result in pieces of the anti-extrusion ring 102 falling to the bottom of the well, thereby making the pieces of the anti-extrusion ring 102 unrecoverable and hindering the ability to recover the packer elements.

[0042] The inner ring 120 includes a generally smooth lower surface (e.g., inner angled surface 121) to bring the force rings 112 and the shutter elements 106 into contact as they expand and contract the inner ring 120. As a result, the inner angled surface 121 has few or no pathways through which extrusion of the shutter elements 106 can occur, thus decreasing the probability of shutter element 106 failures.

[0043] Figure 4A is a perspective view of an anti-extrusion ring 402 in the non-compressed position. Figure 4B Petition 870260053149, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 27 / 39 Figure 20 / 30 is a side view of the anti-extrusion ring 402 in the uncompressed position. Figure 4C is a side view of the anti-extrusion ring 402 in a compressed position. Figure 4D is a perspective view of a partially transparent portion of the anti-extrusion ring 402. Figure 4E is a perspective view of the retaining groove 484 of the anti-extrusion ring 402. Figure 4F is an exploded perspective view of the anti-extrusion ring 402. The anti-extrusion ring 402 can be used in the shutter system 170 in place of the anti-extrusion ring 102.

[0044] The anti-extrusion ring 402 includes an inner ring 420 (e.g., a first ring), an outer ring 422 (e.g., a second ring), and a spring 124. The anti-extrusion ring 402 circumferentially surrounds the mandrel 104. The inner ring 420 includes a plurality of inner ring segments 430, and the outer ring 422 includes a plurality of outer ring segments 432. Each inner ring segment 430 includes an inner ring segment spring channel 440, and each outer ring segment 432 includes an outer ring segment spring channel 442. A spring channel 435 is formed from a plurality of inner ring segment spring channels 440 and a plurality of outer ring segment spring channels 442. When assembled, the inner ring segment spring channels 440 and the outer ring segment spring channels 442 are Petition 870260053149, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, pp. 28 / 39 21 / 30 aligned to form spring channel 435. Spring channel 435 surrounds (i.e., fully contains) spring 424. Spring channel 435 houses spring 124 and protects spring 124 from contamination under production conditions, for example, spring channel 435 prevents potential spring failure due to debris intrusion.

[0045] The anti-extrusion ring 402 additionally includes a retaining screw 480. Each outer ring segment 432 of the outer ring 422 additionally comprises a retaining screw receiver 482, a retaining groove 484, and a retaining screw expansion channel 486. The retaining screw 480 includes a screw head 492 and a threaded connection end 494 distal to the screw head 492. The screw head 492 is dimensioned to be larger than the retaining screw expansion channel 486, so that the screw head 492 is prevented from entering the retaining screw expansion channel 486. The retaining screw receiver 482 is a semicircular opening in the angled outer surface 423 of the outer ring 422 of the anti-extrusion ring 402. The retaining groove 484 is a cavity within the outer ring 422 of the anti-extrusion ring. 402 and is open along the length of the cavity in the side wall of the outer ring 422.The 486 retaining screw expansion channel is an oblong oval passage in a retaining groove bottom surface. Petition 870260053149, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, pages 29 / 39 22 / 30 484. The retaining screw receiver 482 is configured to allow the retaining screw 480 to enter the retaining groove 484 and the retaining screw expansion channel 486. The retaining screw receiver 482, the retaining groove 484, and the retaining screw expansion channel 486 being incorporated into the outer ring 422 reduces the number of ways in which extrusion of the shutter element can occur, since the outer ring 422 is not in direct contact with the shutter elements.

[0046] The retaining screw expansion channel 486 allows radial outward expansion of the anti-extrusion ring 402 during the anti-extrusion ring's transition from the uncompressed to the compressed position. As force is applied by the calibration rings 108 to the anti-extrusion ring 402 and the anti-extrusion ring 402 expands radially outward, the retaining screw 480 moves within the retaining screw expansion channel 486 to facilitate radial outward expansion of the anti-extrusion ring 402, while maintaining the connection between the inner ring 420 and the outer ring 422.

[0047] Each inner ring segment 430 of inner ring 420 includes a retaining screw connector 490. The retaining screw expansion channel 486 is configured to receive the retaining screw 480 via the retaining screw receiver 482. The retaining screw expansion channel Petition 870260053149, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, pages 30 / 39 A 23 / 30 retaining screw 486 is formed in the outer ring segment 432 such that the retaining screw 480 extends through the outer ring segment 432 by means of the retaining screw expansion channel 486. The retaining screw connector 490 of the inner ring segment 430 is threaded and is coupled to the threaded connection end 494 of the retaining screw 480. It should be noted that other connection types could be employed and are contemplated in this document. The connection end 494, being coupled to the retaining screw connector 490, together with the screw head 492, being dimensioned larger than the retaining screw expansion channel 486, couples the inner ring segment 430 to the outer ring segment 432 (and consequently, couples the inner ring 420 to the outer ring 422). The coupling of the inner ring 420 to the outer ring 422 allows for the retention of all components of the anti-extrusion ring 402 in the event of a spring failure.Thus, a spring failure does not result in pieces of the 402 anti-extrusion ring falling to the bottom of the well, thereby making the pieces of the 402 anti-extrusion ring unrecoverable and hindering the ability to recover the packer elements.

[0048] The inner ring 420 includes a generally smooth lower surface (e.g., the angled inner surface 421) for contacting the force rings 112 Petition 870260053149, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, pages 31 / 39 24 / 30 and the shutter elements 106 as they expand and contract the inner ring 420. As a result, the angled inner surface 421 has few or no pathways through which extrusion of the shutter elements 106 can occur, thus decreasing the probability of failure of the shutter elements 106.

[0049] The inner ring 420 further includes a first extension 441A and a second extension 441B extending from the inner ring segment spring channel 440, and the outer ring 422 includes a first extension 443A and a second extension 443B. The second extension 441B includes a raised portion 451A and a lower portion 451B. The first extension 441A of the inner ring 420 and the second extension 441B of an adjacent inner ring 420 are configured to interlock to form the generally smooth lower surface (e.g., inner angled surface 421). To form the generally smooth lower surface (for example, the angled inner surface 421), the first extension 441A is placed over the lower portion 451B of the second extension 441B so that the upper surface of the lower portion 451B is in contact with the lower surface of the first extension 441A.The upper surface of the first extension 441A is substantially coplanar with the upper surface of the elevated portion 451A of the second extension 441B.

[0050] Figure 5 is a flow diagram of a method Petition 870260053149, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, pages 32 / 39 25 / 30 500 uses the obturator assembly 100 and anti-extrusion rings 102. In operation 501, an obturator assembly 100 is deployed at the bottom of the well. Although method 500 is described with respect to the anti-extrusion ring 102, the anti-extrusion ring 402 can be used in method 500.

[0051] In operation 501, the packer assembly 100 is in a non-compressed position, allowing the packer assembly 100 to be easily deployed into the wellbore and production casing 202 or other pipe. In operation 502, a force is applied to the anti-extrusion rings 102 by the calibration rings 108. An inner angled surface 109 of the calibration ring 108 applies the force to the outer angled surface 123 of an outer ring 122 of the anti-extrusion ring 102. The force is further transferred to an interface between an inner angled surface 121 of an inner ring 120 of the anti-extrusion rings 102 and an outer angled surface 113 of the force ring 112. The force compresses the packer elements 106A and 106B using the force rings 112 and the separator 110.

[0052] The force causes the anti-extrusion rings 102 and the shutter elements to expand radially outward. As the calibration rings 108 apply the force towards the separator 110, the angled outer surface 123 of the outer ring 122 of the anti-extrusion ring 102 and the angled inner surface 109 of the calibration ring 108 Petition 870260053149, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, pages 33 / 39 26 / 30 slide relative to each other so that the outer ring 122 expands radially outward. Similarly, the outer angled surface 113 of the force ring 112 and the inner angled surface 121 of the inner ring 120 of the anti-extrusion ring 102 slide relative to each other so that the inner ring 120 expands radially outward. The movement of the anti-extrusion rings 102 towards the separator 110 compresses the shutter elements. The compression of the shutter elements causes the shutter elements to expand radially outward.

[0053] As the inner ring 120 and the outer ring 122 expand radially outward, a spring 124 of the anti-extrusion ring 102 expands radially outward with the inner ring 120 and the outer ring 122. As the spring 124 expands radially outward, the spring 124 is loaded with a force directed towards the mandrel 104. A retaining screw expansion channel 386 of the outer ring 122 allows radial outward expansion of the anti-extrusion ring 102 during the transition of the anti-extrusion ring from the non-compressed position to an expanded compressed position. As force is applied by the calibration rings 108 to the anti-extrusion ring 102, and the anti-extrusion ring 102 expands radially outward, the retaining screw 380 moves within the retaining screw expansion channel 386 to facilitate radial outward expansion. Petition 870260053149, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, pages 34 / 39 27 / 30 anti-extrusion ring 102.

[0054] The obturator elements form a seal against the outer casing 202 or other tubing. The radial outward expansion of the obturator elements forms the seal against the casing 202 or other tubing between an upper zone 250 of the outer volume 255 and a lower zone 260 of the outer volume 255. The seal prevents fluid flow from the lower zone 260 to the upper zone 250. The radial outward movement of the anti-extrusion ring 102 prevents the upper obturator element 106A and the lower obturator element 106B from being extruded beyond the calibration rings 108.

[0055] In operation 503, the force is released from the anti-extrusion rings 102. In operation 503, the springs 124 contract the anti-extrusion rings 102 radially inward toward the mandrel 104. The force that was loaded onto the springs 124 applies a force toward the mandrel 104 to contract the inner rings 120 and the outer rings 122 toward the mandrel 104, and the obturator elements are not compressed. The contraction of the anti-extrusion ring releases the force from the force rings 112 onto the obturator elements. The obturator elements are not compressed and contract radially inward toward the mandrel 104. In operation 504, the obturator assembly 100 is removed from the liner 202. Petition 870260053149, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, pages 35 / 39 28 / 30

[0056] In summary, a shutter assembly having an anti-extrusion ring is disclosed. The anti-extrusion ring includes a first ring comprising a plurality of first ring segments, a second ring comprising a plurality of second ring segments, a spring arranged in a spring channel, and a plurality of retaining screws. Each first ring segment of the plurality of first ring segments includes a first ring segment spring channel and a retaining screw connector. Each second ring segment of the second ring segments includes a second ring segment spring channel and a retaining screw expansion channel formed through the second ring. The spring channel includes the first ring segment spring channels and the second ring segment spring channels. The retaining screws are arranged in the retaining screw expansion channel and coupled to the retaining screw connector.The retaining screw expansion channel allows for radial outward expansion of the anti-extrusion ring during its transition from the non-compressed to the compressed position. The coupling of the inner ring to the outer ring via the retaining screws allows for the retention of all anti-extrusion ring components in the event of a spring failure. Thus, a spring failure does not result in pieces of the anti-extrusion ring falling to the bottom of the well. Petition 870260053149, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, pages 36 / 39 29 / 30 making the anti-extrusion ring pieces unrecoverable and hindering the ability to recover the shutter elements.

[0057] The term comprising and its grammatical equivalents are used in this document to mean that other components, ingredients, operations, etc. are optionally present. For example, an article comprising (or comprising) components A, B, and C may consist of (i.e., contain only) components A, B, and C, or it may contain not only components A, B, and C, but also one or more other components. Furthermore, whenever a composition, an element, or a group of elements is preceded by the transitional expression comprising or its grammatical equivalents, it is understood that the same composition or group of elements may be preceded by the transitional expressions consisting essentially of, consisting of, selected from the group consisting of, or is preceding the recitation of the composition, element, or elements, and vice versa.

[0058] Where reference is made in this document to a method comprising two or more defined operations, the defined operations may be performed in any order or simultaneously (except where the context excludes this possibility) and the method may include one or more other operations that are performed before any of the Petition 870260053149, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, pp. 37 / 39 30 / 30 operations defined between two of the defined operations or after all defined operations (except where the context excludes this possibility).

[0059] When introducing elements of the present disclosure or exemplary aspects or implementation(s) thereof, the articles a, an, the / the referred / referred to are intended to signify that one or more of the elements exist.

[0060] The terms comprising, including and having are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the elements listed.

[0061] Although the foregoing is directed to implementations of the present disclosure, other and additional implementations of the disclosure may be conceived without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the following claims. Petition 870260053149, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, pp. 38 / 39

Claims

1 / 6 CLAIMS 1. Anti-extrusion ring, characterized in that it comprises: a first ring comprising a plurality of first ring segments, each first ring segment of the plurality of first ring segments comprising: a first ring segment spring channel; and a retaining screw connector; a second ring comprising a plurality of second ring segments, each second ring segment of the second ring segments comprising: a second ring segment spring channel; and a retaining screw expansion channel formed through the second ring; and a spring disposed in a spring channel, wherein the spring channel comprises the first ring segment spring channels and the second ring segment spring channels; and a plurality of retaining screws disposed in the retaining screw expansion channel and coupled to the retaining screw connector.

2. Anti-extrusion ring, according to claim 1, characterized in that the retaining screw expansion channel allows radial outward expansion of the anti-extrusion ring.

3. Anti-extrusion ring, according to claim Petition 870250066601, dated 07 / 31 / 2025, page 38 / 44 2 / 6 2, characterized in that the plurality of retaining screws additionally comprises: a screw head; and a distal connecting end of the screw head, wherein the connecting end is coupled to the retaining screw connector.

4. Anti-extrusion ring, according to claim 3, characterized in that the screw head is dimensioned to be larger than the expansion channel of the retaining screw.

5. Anti-extrusion ring, according to claim 1, characterized in that the spring channel fully contains the spring.

6. Shutter assembly, characterized in that it comprises: a tubular body; a mandrel circumferentially surrounding the tubular body; a calibration ring; an anti-extrusion ring, wherein the anti-extrusion ring comprises: a first ring comprising a plurality of first ring segments, each first ring segment of the plurality of first ring segments comprising: Petition 870250066601, dated 07 / 31 / 2025, page.39 / 44 3 / 6 a first ring segment spring channel; and a retaining screw connector; a second ring comprising a plurality of second ring segments, each second ring segment of the second ring segments comprising: a second ring segment spring channel; and a retaining screw expansion channel formed through the second ring; and a spring disposed in a spring channel, wherein the spring channel comprises the first ring segment spring channels and the second ring segment spring channels; and a plurality of retaining screws disposed in the retaining screw expansion channel and coupled to the retaining screw connector; a force ring; and a shutter element.

7. Shutter assembly, according to claim 6, characterized in that the retaining screw expansion channel allows radial outward expansion of the anti-extrusion ring.

8. Shutter assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that the plurality of retaining screws further comprises: a screw head; and Petition 870250066601, dated 07 / 31 / 2025, page 40 / 44 4 / 6 a distal connecting end of the screw head, wherein the connecting end is coupled to the retaining screw connector.

9. Shutter assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that the screw head is dimensioned to be larger than the retaining screw expansion channel.

10. Shutter assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that the spring channel fully contains the spring.

11. Method, characterized in that it comprises: implanting a shutter system comprising a shutter assembly in a coating; and applying a force to an anti-extrusion ring of the shutter assembly using a calibration ring of the shutter assembly, the anti-extrusion ring comprising: a first ring comprising a plurality of first ring segments; a second ring comprising a plurality of second ring segments; a spring arranged in a spring channel; and a retaining screw coupling the first ring and the second ring, wherein the application of force to the anti-extrusion ring expands the anti-extrusion ring and a shutter element radially outward and forms a seal against the coating with the shutter element.

12. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that it further comprises: releasing the force of the anti-extrusion ring to decompress the obturator element; and removing the obturator system from the coating.

13. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that the application of force to the anti-extrusion ring carries a force directed to a mandrel in the spring, wherein the anti-extrusion ring circumferentially surrounds the mandrel.

14. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that the release of the anti-extrusion ring force discharges the spring force to contract the anti-extrusion ring towards a mandrel.

15. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that the plurality of second ring segments additionally comprises a retaining screw expansion channel, wherein the expansion of the anti-extrusion ring is permitted by the retaining screw moving within the retaining screw expansion channel.

16. Method according to claim 15, characterized in that the retaining screw further comprises: a screw head; and Petition 870250066601, dated 07 / 31 / 2025, page 42 / 44 6 / 6 a distal connecting end of the screw head, wherein the connecting end is coupled to the retaining screw connector.

17. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that when force is applied to the anti-extrusion rings by the calibration ring, an angled outer surface of a force ring and an angled inner surface of the first ring slide relative to each other so that the first ring expands radially outward and the angled outer surface of the second ring and the angled inner surface of the calibration ring slide relative to each other so that the second ring expands radially outward.

18. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that the obturator element comprises an elastomeric material.

19. Method according to claim 18, characterized in that the elastomeric material comprises nitrile or hydrogenated nitrile.

20. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that the spring channel completely contains the spring. Petition 870250066601, dated 07 / 31 / 2025, pp. 43 / 44

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