Downhole plug assemblies with collet adapters and methods thereof

Abstract

Downhole plug assemblies comprising plug, release sleeve and collet adapter and methods thereof are disclosed. The plug comprises of a mandrel with a bore and an outer subassembly comprising a top element, anchoring system, sealing system and a nose element. The release sleeve is engaged and secured within the bore at a proximal portion by a plurality of shearable fastening members. The collet adapter comprises of a plurality of fingers with each finger ending in a head at the tip. The collet head is engaged with a slanting face of the release sleeve at a lower end and is configured to be engaged with a setting tool at an upper end. During the release process, the fingers expand to prevent disengaging from the face thus transferring the load to the release sleeve and causing the fastening members to shear off and the release sleeve to release from the mandrel.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The present disclosure generally relates to tools used for isolation in well bores. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to downhole plug assemblies with collet adapters and methods thereof.BACKGROUND[0002]Technological innovations in the oil and gas industry are primarily focused on the Exploration and Production (E & P) business. Due to low permeability in the shale rocks and tight sands deep under the ground, it is extremely difficult to drill and stimulate production of crude oil otherwise popularly known as “black gold”. Hence the unconventional directional drilling associated with the Plug and Perf operations and the hydraulic fracturing process has been getting popularity from the wildcat wells to promising drill pads. Composite materials have replaced metals in various engineering applications owing to their numerous advantages, like high strength / weight ratio and other better physical properties. Due to these advantages, there has been an i...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides downhole plug assemblies with collet mechanisms that are easier and faster to install and remove compared to conventional plug assemblies. The collet adapter easily snaps onto the setting tool without needing to fasten it with screws, saving time. The plug and release sleeve have a conformation that allows for easy installation and release without leaving any debris within the bore of the plug. The fiber composite mandrel does not need to have high tensile strength, making it easier to manufacture. The downhole plug subassembly is engaged with the setting tool and released from the mandrel using shearable fastening members, resulting in a plug subassembly that is easier to install and remove. The method for installing, setting, and releasing the plug is simple and efficient.

Problems solved by technology

Due to low permeability in the shale rocks and tight sands deep under the ground, it is extremely difficult to drill and stimulate production of crude oil otherwise popularly known as “black gold”.

Given the number of plugs (about 50 to 200 plugs per perf & frac operation in each well) used in the hydraulic fracturing process, this installing process itself becomes time consuming.

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