Slip Assembly for Anchoring Downhole Plugs and Retainers

Abstract

A downhole plug 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 certain components constructed of non-metallic material that can be drilled, milled or mechanically broken up more quickly and efficiently than conventional wellbore plugs, thereby facilitating removal of said plug assembly when desired.

Description

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]THIS APPLICATION CLAIMS PRIORITY OF UNITED STATES PROVISIONAL PATENT APPLICATION SERIAL NO. 62 / 373,419, FILED AUG. 11, 2016, INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE.STATEMENTS AS TO THE RIGHTS TO THE INVENTION MADE UNDER FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT:[0002]NONEBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention pertains to a downhole assembly including, without limitation, a drillable plug assembly that can be installed at a desired location within a subterranean wellbore. More particularly, the present invention pertains to a plug assembly that is capable of providing a fluid pressure seal within a wellbore, while being capable of being drilled, milled or mechanically broken up more efficiently than conventional wellbore plugs. More particularly, the present invention pertains to a plug that can permit selective fluid pumping through said plug (including, without limitation, as a cement retainer).2. B...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011]The assembly of the present invention allows for elimination of composite bands or other conventional retention devices typically used to hold slip members in place prior to setting / engagement of said slip members. Said bands or conventional retention devices can sometimes obstruct slips from properly anchoring to a casing wall. Further, such bands or other conventional retention devices can often become damaged / broken, allowing slip members to become detached and fall within a wellbore, thereby resulting in costly fishing operations and / or additional inherent risk of loss or damage. By eliminating said bands or conventional retention devices, the present invention eliminates such risk.

[0012]When desired, a plug assembly equipped with the slip assembly of the present invention can be drilled, milled or otherwise mechanically broken apart more easily and efficiently than conventional bridge plugs including, without limitation, drillable bridge plugs.

Problems solved by technology

Further, such bands or other conventional retention devices can often become damaged / broken, allowing slip members to become detached and fall within a wellbore, thereby resulting in costly fishing operations and / or additional inherent risk of loss or damage.

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