Wellbore composite plug assembly

Abstract

A down hole tool assembly can be installed at a desired location within a subterranean wellbore that is capable of isolating one portion of the wellbore from another, while sealing fluid pressure within the wellbore from at least one direction. The plug assembly can include components constructed of non-metallic material that can be drilled, milled or mechanically broken up more quickly and efficiently than conventional wellbore plugs.

Description

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]Priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 838,524, filed Jun. 24, 2013, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 904,077, filed Nov. 14, 2013, both incorporated herein by reference, is hereby claimed.STATEMENTS AS TO THE RIGHTS TO THE INVENTION MADE UNDER FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT[0002]NoneBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]1. Field of the Invention[0004]The present invention pertains to a down hole assembly such as, but not limited to, a drillable bridge plug that can be installed at a desired location within a subterranean wellbore. More particularly, a preferred embodiment of the present invention pertains to a bridge plug assembly capable of sealing fluid pressure within a wellbore from at least one direction. More particularly still, the present invention pertains to a plug assembly that can be drilled, milled or mechanically broken up more efficiently than conventional wellbore plugs.[00...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a plug assembly for use in wellbores, which can be easily installed to isolate one part of a wellbore from another, prevent fluid flow and create a sealing barrier. The plug assembly is made of non-metallic components that can be drilled, milled or broken apart more easily and efficiently than conventional composite bridge plugs. This makes it easier to install and remove the plug assembly, and can save time and money during wellbore construction.

Problems solved by technology

Such conventional drillable metallic plugs are generally highly reliable in operation, but are frequently too difficult and time consuming (and thus, too expensive) to drill out, mill up or otherwise mechanically break apart.

In certain applications, multiple drillable plugs are installed within a single wellbore, thus compounding the time and cost of drilling, milling or otherwise removing said plugs.

One mechanism that has not been reliably replicated by such conventional composite plug devices is the lock ring system that prevents the mandrel from moving and unseating the plug when exposed to certain forces.

Without a reliable locking mechanism, these composite plugs rely solely on the energy of the slips and packing element to store the energy require to anchor and seal.

Movement of such mandrel can cause a jarring effect on the plug, which has the ability to decrease the force stored in the slips and allow some or all of the setting force to dissipate resulting in the failure of the bridge plug to hold pressure and anchor.

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