Fracturing bridge plug device with cone locking mandrel assembly

Abstract

The slope-shaped fracturing bridge plug device (10) is a simplified, short and compact fracturing bridge plug device, and can keep the wall of a drill hole sealed and prevent premature release in the drill hole. A fracturing plug device (10) includes a cone (20), an anchoring mandrel (32), a cover member (60), a slip device (70), and a sealing member (90). In the setting state, the fracturing bridge plug device is in friction fit with the slip device (70) through the cone (20) and is in locking engagement with the ratchet wheel of the anchoring mandrel (32) through the threaded ring part (94) of the anchoring ring (92). The anchoring mandrel (32) has an externally threaded mandrel portion (38). A ratchet locking engagement between the anchor ring (92) and the anchor mandrel (32) can prevent movement of the cone (20) in a direction away from the anchor mandrel (32) such that a cover member (60) engaged with the anchor mandrel (32) locks the slip device (70) in a corresponding position on the cone (20).

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to the U.S. non-provisional patent application with application number USN18174426 filed on February 24, 2023, and invention name “Fracturing bridge plug device with cone locking mandrel assembly”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to isolation of a layer in a borehole. More specifically, the present invention relates to a fracturing bridge plug system, wherein the fracturing bridge plug system has a down-hole state for deployment in a borehole and a set state at a desired position in the borehole. The fracturing bridge plug is intended to set a seal for isolation of a layer in a borehole. More specifically, the present invention relates to a fracturing bridge plug that achieves a locked set state by placing an anchor mandrel assembly in a ratchet locked engagement position to prevent the fracturing bridge plug device from being released prematurely from a desired position. Background Art

[0004] In a borehole, hydrocarbons are only distributed at a specific rock layer depth. Therefore, the location of the production layer can be determined based on its distribution depth, and the production fluid can be injected into the location of the hydrocarbons in a targeted manner to recover hydrocarbons from the borehole. Other formations that do not contain hydrocarbons are called "non-producing layers". There is no need to inject production fluid into non-producing layers that do not contain hydrocarbons to avoid waste. Therefore, it is necessary to isolate the production layer from the non-producing layer to ensure that hydrocarbons can be recovered from the borehole.

[0005] Specific downhole tools can be used to separate the producing layer from the non-producing layer to ensure that the produced fluid is injected into the producing layer instead of the non-producing layer. For example, bridge plugs, packers or other downhole tools with isolation valves can be used to isolate the producing layer from the non-producing layer.

[0006] In the conventional process, a frac plug or a frac plug assembly needs to be lowered into the borehole. When the setting tool lowered with the frac plug assembly reaches the correct position, it will fix the packer, that is, the frac plug will expand to contact the borehole wall. Then, the setting tool needs to be removed. In order to achieve the sealing of the production zone, the frac plug must still be activated. After the frac plug seals the borehole, the production fluid can still flow through the packer. When the frac ball is placed in the borehole, it will move down the borehole until it is in place at the frac ball seat to trigger the expansion of the frac plug against the borehole wall, and the frac ball can also serve as part of the frac plug seal. After the packer is sealed, fracturing can begin. Fracturing fluid will only be injected into the isolated production layer, and production fluid will only be produced from the isolated production layer.

[0007] The fracturing bridge plug device can be driven by a fracturing ball or other sealing components. US Patent No. US2627317A issued to Baker on February 2, 1953 discloses an oil well tester with a pre-set fracturing ball; in this patent, the fracturing ball will drive the fracturing bridge plug to expand and form a seal on the fracturing bridge plug. US Patent No. US3298437A issued to Conrad on January 17, 1967 discloses a mandrel assembly that acts as a sealing assembly to cause the bridge plug assembly to expand to the borehole wall through compression, and a solid tubular member that can be used to achieve the sealing of the fracturing bridge plug.

[0008] There are also simplified, compact and condensed frac plug systems with different material compositions. Since these types of frac plugs have fewer parts and fewer material compositions, they are easier to remove after use. Since the material selection of the components can be controlled, the plug can be drilled out, or the plug can be made of soluble metal or non-metallic composition. With fewer parts, the amount of milling debris or soluble chemicals will be reduced accordingly. Some of the simplified and condensed frac plug systems are wedge or ramp frac plug systems composed of a wedge or ramp body, a sealing ring and a slip assembly. The material composition of the components will limit the functional properties of the frac plug assembly. Components made of non-metallic composite materials are brittle and cannot be machined as sharp and hard as metal materials.

[0009] Currently, a number of patents or patent announcements related to wedge-shaped or slope-shaped fracturing bridge plug systems have been granted or published. For example, US Patent No. US8950504B2, which was published by Xu et al. on November 14, 2013 (US Patent Application No. US2013 / 0299192A1) and granted, discloses a bridge plug consisting of a truncated cone-shaped member, a slip or sleeve that can be expanded to the borehole wall, and a seal at the tip of the slip. US Patent No. US9309733B2, which was published by Xu et al. on July 25, 2013 (US Patent Application No. US2013 / 0186649A1) and granted, discloses a bridge plug consisting of a cone fixed to a mandrel in a detachable manner, a slip or sleeve that can be expanded to the borehole wall, and a seal at the tip of the slip. The bridge plug is made of a metal composite material. When the bridge plug is set, the mandrel will push the cone, causing the slip to expand and separate from the cone. US Patent No. US10000991B2, issued to Harris et al. on June 19, 2018, discloses a bridge plug consisting of an annular wedge with a finger-shaped chuck, an annular slip and a sealing ring. US Patent No. US9835003B2, issued to Harris et al. on December 5, 2017, discloses a bridge plug consisting of an annular wedge of a non-metallic composite material, an annular slip and a sealing ring.

[0010] There is a need to improve the reliability of these known simplified wedge or slope frac plugs. Due to the directional nature of the friction fit arrangement between a single set of wedges and slips, the simplified wedge or slope frac plugs rely on friction engagement between only one wedge or cone and one slip arrangement if a second set of wedges and slips are absent to engage the borehole wall in the opposite direction. Reverse forces may cause the frac plug to fall out and release. Any pressure pulses or changes in directional pressure may cause the simplified wedge or slope frac plug to loosen and compromise the seal integrity. There is also a need to install an assembly to improve the reliability of non-metallic composite and metal composite components. Summary of the invention

[0011] An object of the present invention is to provide a fracturing bridge plug device that can be used to isolate a zone in a borehole.

[0012] The object of the present invention is to provide a simplified short-type fracturing bridge plug device that can be used to maintain the seal of the borehole wall and prevent premature release in the borehole.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a simplified short-type frac bridge plug device that maintains the borehole wall seal through a composite material component and prevents premature release in the borehole.

[0014] The object of the present invention is to provide a fracturing bridge plug device consisting of a threaded ring portion of an anchoring ring in a cone, an anchoring mandrel and an external threaded mandrel portion cooperating with the threaded ring portion.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a fracturing bridge plug device consisting of a threaded ring portion of an anchor ring in a non-metal composite cone and a soluble metal anchor mandrel with an external threaded mandrel portion.

[0016] The object of the present invention is to provide a simplified short fracturing bridge plug device which is set by friction between a cone and a slip device and one-way ratchet locking thread engagement between a threaded ring portion of an anchor ring in the cone and an anchor mandrel.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a simplified, short-length fracturing bridge plug device that can be used to prevent the cone from being released prematurely in the slips.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide a simplified short fracturing bridge plug device that maintains the borehole seal by friction between the cone and the slip device and ratchet locking threaded engagement between the threaded ring portion of the anchor ring in the cone and the anchor mandrel.

[0019] The above and other objects and advantages of the present invention can be understood by reading the accompanying description, drawings and claims.

[0020] Embodiments of the present invention include simplified, short and compact wedge-shaped or sloped fracturing bridge plug devices having a locked setting state to maintain the borehole seal and prevent the cone from being released prematurely from the slip device. The fracturing bridge plug device includes a cone, an anchoring mandrel assembly, a cover member, a slip device and a sealing member. The fracturing bridge plug device has a down-hole state that can be deployed in the borehole and a setting state that is located at a desired position to ensure that the borehole can be sealed at the desired position. In the setting state, the fracturing bridge plug device has both a friction fit engagement function between the cone and the slip device and a one-way ratchet locking engagement function of the anchoring mandrel assembly to lock the friction fit engagement between the cone and the slip device.

[0021] The cone of the fracturing bridge plug device of the present invention includes an inner core having an inner annular groove near the second cone end and a tapered outer surface that decreases in diameter toward the second cone end. The tapered outer surface is compatible with the slip device and the sealing member. The inner annular groove is sized to maintain the anchor mandrel assembly in a ratchet locked engagement state when the fracturing bridge plug device is in a running and setting state.

[0022] An embodiment of the anchoring mandrel assembly includes an anchoring mandrel and an anchoring ring. The anchoring mandrel has an externally threaded mandrel portion at a first anchoring mandrel end. In a specific embodiment, the anchoring mandrel is composed of a plurality of finger chucks and a chuck base. The finger chucks extend from the chuck base to the cone. The externally threaded mandrel portion may include various outer surfaces of the finger chucks. The anchoring ring in the inner ring groove of the cone has a threaded ring portion. Since the threaded ring portion and the externally threaded mandrel portion are in a ratchet locking engagement state, the movement of the anchoring mandrel to the anchoring ring in the cone is restricted. The threaded anchoring mandrel assembly is made of soluble or non-soluble metal material. Other components such as the cone can now be made of composite materials (including non-metallic composite materials).

[0023] Since the threaded ring portion of the anchor ring in the cone is in a ratchet locked engagement with the external threaded mandrel portion of the anchor mandrel, the tapered inner surface of the slip device will be in sliding engagement with the tapered outer surface of the cone. The present invention has a locked setting state to prevent the fracturing bridge plug device seal from being released before reaching the desired position in the borehole. When transitioning from the drilling state to the setting state, the locking of the setting state will be achieved in the same setting action in the same direction.

[0024] The anchoring mandrel will be removably engaged to the cover member. The cover member is engaged with the anchoring mandrel, and the first cover end faces the slip device. In the locked setting state, the anchoring ring and the anchoring mandrel in the cone will be in the ratchet locking position, and the cover member will hold the slip device in the extended position to prevent the slip device from retracting to its initial position. The cover member will apply pressure to the slip device to prevent the slip device from being released from the cone.

[0025] The fracturing bridge plug device may further include a sealing support ring between the sealing member and the slip device to strengthen the sealing of the fracturing bridge plug device in the locked and set state and prevent the sealing member from being squeezed. In the present invention, when it transitions from the downhole state to the locked and set state, the diameter of the sealing support ring will increase accordingly. In other embodiments, there is a notch on the tapered outer surface that can be used to engage the sealing member to provide support for the sealing of the fracturing bridge plug device in the locked and set state and ensure its stability.

[0026] Embodiments of the present invention also include a method for isolating a formation in a borehole using a fracturing bridge plug device. The method includes the following steps: deploying the fracturing bridge plug device in a downhole state and ensuring that the anchor ring is in the cone and the anchor mandrel is in a first ratchet lock position; moving the threaded ring portion along the external threaded mandrel portion from the first ratchet lock position to a second ratchet lock position closer to the first cone end; and pushing the conical inner surface along the conical outer surface when the cover member rests on the second slip end. The method also includes placing the fracturing bridge plug device in a set state and ensuring that the anchor ring is in the cone and the anchor mandrel is in the second ratchet lock position. The set state refers to a locked set state in which the anchor ring in the cone is in a ratchet lock engagement state and the anchor mandrel presses the cover member against the slip device to prevent the slip device from retracting. In the set state, the method also includes setting the slip device in the borehole wall so that the external engagement surface is in an extended position and sealing the sealing member in an expanded position against the borehole wall. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 1 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the fracturing bridge plug device of the present invention, wherein the fracturing bridge plug device is shown in a downhole state.

[0028] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A side view of an embodiment of a fracturing bridge plug device in a down-hole state is shown.

[0029] Figure 3 Detailed description is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the fracturing bridge plug device of the present invention, showing the fracturing bridge plug device between a running-in state and a setting state.

[0030] Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the fracturing bridge plug device of the present invention, wherein the fracturing bridge plug device is shown in a set state when the cone and the threaded ring portion of the anchor ring in the anchor mandrel are in ratchet locking engagement.

[0031] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 An isolated cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the threaded ring portion of the cone and anchoring ring in the anchoring mandrel of the present invention in the down-hole state is shown.

[0032] Figure 6 It is a front stereoscopic view of an embodiment of the cone of the fracturing bridge plug device according to the present invention.

[0033] Figure 7 It is a front stereoscopic view of an embodiment of an anchoring ring of an anchoring mandrel assembly in a fracturing bridge plug device according to the present invention.

[0034] Figure 8 It is a side perspective view of an embodiment of an anchoring mandrel of an anchoring mandrel assembly in a fracturing bridge plug device according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] In the present invention, a simplified, short and compact wedge-shaped or sloped fracturing bridge plug can be used. The sloped fracturing bridge plug with the above characteristics is easy to use and convenient to set, so it is widely used. The bridge plug can be set in one direction only by the friction between the tapered outer surface of the wedge or cone and the complementary tapered inner surface of the slip device. However, such a simple one-way setting may produce serious adverse consequences similar to the simple one-way unset state. Just as the sloped fracturing bridge plug can be set easily and quickly, the sloped fracturing bridge plug can also be unsealed as the tapered inner surface of the slip device and the tapered outer surface of the cone are separated from the friction fit engagement state. The force opposite to the setting direction (even the pushing and knocking vibration) may cause the cone to be released from the slip device or reduce the friction fit engagement strength, thereby releasing the bridge plug or at least reducing the integrity of the borehole seal of the fracturing bridge plug. The present invention relates to a sloped fracturing bridge plug device 10, which, in addition to maintaining the friction fit engagement between the cone and the slip device, also locks the cone and the slip device in the set state. The present invention relates to a sloped fracturing bridge plug device 10 , wherein the anchoring mandrel assembly 30 is compatible with the metal and non-metal composite materials of the fracturing bridge plug device 10 .

[0036] like Figures 1 to 8 As shown, the fracturing bridge plug device 10 of the present invention includes a cone 20, an anchoring mandrel assembly 30, a cover member 60, a slip device 70 and a sealing member 90. Since the fracturing bridge plug device 10 will be compressed and thinned when it is in the down-hole state, the fracturing bridge plug device 10 can be deployed into the borehole in the down-hole state. When the fracturing bridge plug device 10 reaches the desired position in the borehole, the fracturing bridge plug device 10 will be triggered to expand in the borehole. The fracturing bridge plug device 10 will enter the setting state at the desired position to ensure that the borehole is sealed at the desired position. When the fracturing bridge plug device 10 is in the setting state, its cone 20 will achieve friction fit engagement with the slip device 70 and ratchet locking engagement with the anchoring mandrel assembly 30. Even if the cone 20 is made of composite materials, the ratchet locking engagement can also press the cone 20 against the slip device 70. The sloped fracturing bridge plug device 10 of the present invention has a more reliable and durable sealing performance.

[0037] Figure 1 to Figure 6 The present invention is an embodiment of a cone 20 of a fracturing bridge plug device 10, wherein the cone 20 has a first cone end 22 and a second cone end 24 opposite to the first cone end 20. The cone 20 also includes an inner core 26 extending from the first cone end 22 to the second cone end 24 and a conical outer surface 28 that decreases toward the second cone end 24 on an outer cone diameter 29. Figure 1 and Figure 3 to Figure 6 The tapered outer surface 28 is shown at the minimum diameter of the second tapered end 24. Figure 1 and Figure 3 to Figure 6 As shown, the cone taper angle may extend from the second tapered end 24 to the first tapered end 22, or reach a maximum diameter before extending to the first tapered end 22. The present invention includes any taper angle of the tapered outer surface 28. The present invention only requires that the tapered outer surface 28 be compatible with the slip assembly 70 and the sealing member 90.

[0038] Figure 1 and Figure 3 to Figure 6 The inner core 26 is composed of an inner annular groove 27 that is closer to the second cone end 24 than the first cone end 22. In this embodiment, the inner annular groove 27 will extend from the second cone end 24 to the first cone end 22 and pass through about half of the cone 20. The inner annular groove 27 can be only a portion of the inner core 26. The present invention can also include an inner annular groove 27 that extends from the second cone end 24 all the way to the first cone end 22. The inner annular groove 27 must be of a large enough size to hold the anchor mandrel assembly 30 against the cone 20 in a ratchet locking engagement state when the fracturing bridge plug device 10 is in a running-in state and a setting state. Figure 5 Shown is an embodiment of an inner annular groove 27 located in the conical outer surface 28 of the cone 20.

[0039] Figure 1 and Figure 3 to Figure 8The embodiment of the anchoring mandrel assembly 30 fixed on the cone 20. The anchoring mandrel assembly 30 includes: an anchoring mandrel 32 having a first anchoring mandrel end 34, a second anchoring mandrel end 36 opposite to the first anchoring mandrel end 34, and an externally threaded mandrel portion 38 located at the first anchoring mandrel end 34; and an anchoring ring 92 having a threaded ring portion 94. The anchoring ring 92 is located in the inner annular groove 27 of the cone 20. When the anchoring ring 92 is installed in the inner annular groove 27, the anchoring ring 92 will always be in the cone 20 without any movement in the inner core 26 of the cone 20. Even if the anchoring ring 92 is fixed in the same position in the cone 20, the anchoring mandrel 32 can move relative to the cone 20. The threaded ring portion 94 will be ratchet-locked with the externally threaded mandrel portion 38 of the anchoring mandrel 32. Since the ratchet locking engagement is unidirectional, the anchoring mandrel 32 cannot move away from the anchoring ring 92 in the cone 20, but can only move along the anchoring ring 92 toward the first cone end 22. The threaded ring portion 94 must be of a sufficiently large size to keep the anchoring mandrel 32 in the ratchet locking engagement state when the fracturing bridge plug device 10 is in the running-in state and the setting state. When the fracturing bridge plug device 10 is in the setting state, the anchoring mandrel 32 cannot move or swing. Figure 5 An embodiment is shown where the threaded ring portion 94 is approximately one quarter the size of the externally threaded mandrel portion 38 .

[0040] In some embodiments, the anchoring mandrel 32 is composed of a plurality of finger clamps 40 and a clamp base 42. The clamp base 42 is located at the second anchoring mandrel end 36, and the finger clamps 40 extend from the clamp base 42 toward the first anchoring mandrel end 34 and the cone 20. There may also be a plurality of slots 44 between adjacent finger clamps 40 of the plurality of finger clamps 40. Figure 8 Shown is an externally threaded mandrel portion 38 formed by respective outer surfaces 46 of the finger clamps 40. The finger clamps 40 have finger clamp free ends to allow the anchor mandrel 32 to be in ratchet locking engagement with the cone 20. Since it is in ratchet locking engagement, the movement of the anchor mandrel 32 toward the anchor ring 92 in the cone 20 is restricted. The externally threaded mandrel portion 38 is in ratchet locking engagement with the threaded ring portion 94 to prevent the anchor mandrel 32 from moving away from the anchor ring 92 in the cone 20. The finger clamps 40 are only one embodiment of the externally threaded mandrel portion 38 in ratchet locking engagement with the anchor ring 92 in the cone 20. Since the anchor ring 92 is located in the annular groove 27 in the cone 20, the position of the anchor mandrel 32 relative to the cone 20 will depend on the position of the anchor mandrel 32 relative to the anchor ring 94.

[0041] Embodiments of the anchor ring 92 include an annular or C-shaped anchor ring. The C-shaped anchor ring is easier to install in the inner ring groove 27. As long as the size is large enough, the threads of the threaded ring portion 94 of the C-shaped anchor ring are sufficient to achieve ratchet locking engagement with the anchor mandrel 32. The threaded ring portion 94 can at least cover a portion 96 of the inner ring surface 98 of the anchor ring 92. In this case, the threads of the threaded ring portion 94 on a portion 96 of the inner ring surface 98 are sufficient to achieve ratchet locking engagement with the anchor mandrel 92. Figure 7 Shown is a threaded ring portion 94 covering all of the inner ring surface 98 in one embodiment.

[0042] In the present invention, the cone 20, the anchoring mandrel assembly 30 and the slip device 70 can all be made of metal materials or composite materials. The threaded portion can be made of metal materials (including but not limited to metal composite materials, soluble metals and non-soluble metals). The threads having the sharp edges and deformation resistance required for the one-way ratchet locking engagement of the present invention are preferably made of soluble or non-soluble metal components. When a soluble metal material is used, the fracturing bridge plug device 10 can be removed by injecting appropriate chemicals into the borehole. When a non-soluble metal material is used, the fracturing bridge plug device 10 may need to be removed by conventional milling or drilling. If any component is made of composite materials (especially non-metallic composite materials), it is difficult to form threads. Since non-metallic composite threads are brittle, it is impossible to reliably fix the thread edges. Any non-metallic composite thread is very easy to degrade. In the present invention, as long as the anchoring mandrel assembly 30 (anchoring mandrel 32 and anchoring ring 92) is made of metal composite materials or metal materials, the cone 20 can be made of non-metallic composite materials. The slip device 70 can be made of any material that can ensure the sliding friction fit between the tapered outer surface 28 of the cone 20 and the tapered inner surface 78 of the slip device 70. The non-metallic composite cone 20 with the inner annular groove 27 of the present invention can ensure that the threaded ring portion 94 of the anchor ring 92 in the inner annular groove 27 is in ratchet locking engagement with the anchor mandrel 32 to complete the relative positioning of the anchor mandrel 32 and the cone 20.

[0043] Figure 1 to Figure 4 A cover member 60 is also provided including a first cover end 62 and a second cover end 64 opposite the first cover end 62. The cover member 60 is engaged with the second anchoring mandrel end 36. A slip assembly 70 includes a first slip end 72 and a second slip end 74 opposite the first slip end 72. The slip assembly 70 includes an outer engagement surface 76 and a tapered inner surface 78 with a diameter increasing toward the first slip end 72. The first cover end 62 faces the second slip end 74. The tapered angle of the tapered inner surface 78 of the slip is compatible with the tapered angle of the tapered outer surface 28 of the cone to achieve a friction fit engagement. Figure 1 to Figure 4 Also shown is a sealing member 90 mounted about the tapered outer surface 28. The slip arrangement 70 is located between the sealing member 90 and the cover member 60.

[0044] In the present invention, the tapered inner surface 78 of the slip device 70 is in sliding engagement with the tapered outer surface 28 of the cone 20, and the inner threaded ring portion 94 of the cone 20 is in ratchet locking engagement with the outer threaded spindle portion 38 of the anchoring spindle 32. When the present invention is in a locked setting state, it is possible to prevent the seal of the fracturing bridge plug device 10 from being released before reaching the desired position in the borehole. Under the existing state of the art, the sloped fracturing bridge plug cannot provide additional support and redundancy to maintain its setting state. In order to prevent the slip device from releasing the cone, factors other than friction need to be considered. The fracturing bridge plug device 10 is still a simple and compact sloped fracturing bridge plug. When transitioning from the downhole state to the setting state, only the same setting action is required to achieve the locking of the setting state in the same direction as the cone 20 moves toward the slip device 70.

[0045] Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 For Figure 1 (and Figure 2 ) shows the downhole state of the fracturing bridge plug device 10. Figure 4 The fracturing bridge plug device 10 is shown in a setting state transition. Figure 4 The figure shows the locked setting state. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the down-hole state shown, the internal threaded ring portion 94 of the cone 20 and the external threaded mandrel portion 38 of the anchor mandrel 32 will be in the first ratchet locking position, the slip device 70 will be in the initial position, and the sealing member 90 will be in the original position. At this time, since the slip device 70 and the sealing member 90 will be subjected to the maximum compression pressure, they will be in the smallest size state. When the bridge plug is in the down-hole state, it is easier to manipulate it to the desired position through the borehole. In this down-hole state, the fracturing bridge plug device 10 will have a minimum overall diameter. Figure 4 In the set condition shown, the internally threaded ring portion 94 of the cone 20 and the externally threaded spindle portion 38 of the anchor spindle 32 will be in the second ratchet locking position, the slip device 70 will be in the extended position, and the sealing member 90 will be in the expanded position. Figure 3 The internally threaded ring portion 94 of the cone 20 is shown moved relative to the externally threaded spindle portion 38 of the anchor spindle 32 from a first ratchet locking position to a second ratchet locking position.

[0046] The first anchoring mandrel end 34 is closer to the first cone end 22 when in the second ratchet lock position than when in the first ratchet lock position. The internal threaded ring portion 94 of the cone 20 must be able to anchor the anchoring mandrel 32 in the second ratchet lock position to ensure that the anchoring mandrel 32 does not move or swing when the fracturing bridge plug device 10 is in the set state. Therefore, the set state of the fracturing bridge plug device 10 is a locked set state. When transitioning from the downhole state to the set state, the outer engagement surface 76 of the slip device 70 will move to the extended position to ensure that the slip device 70 is retained in the borehole wall, and the sealing member 90 will be in the expanded position to ensure that the borehole wall is sealed. In the set state, the slip device 70 and the sealing member 90 will be at their maximum diameters, wherein the set state is the locked set state of the fracturing bridge plug device 10 of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The embodiment of the anchoring mandrel 32 is detachably engaged to the cover member 60. The cover member 60 will engage with the second anchoring mandrel end 36, and the first cover end 62 will face the second slip end 74. When the threaded ring portion 94 and the anchoring mandrel 32 in the cone 20 are in the second ratchet locking position, the cover member 60 will hold the slip device 70 in the extended position and prevent the slip device 70 from retracting to the initial position. The cover member 60 will apply pressure to the second slip end 74 to prevent the slip device 70 from being released from the cone 20.

[0048] Figure 1 to Figure 4 The embodiment of the cover member 60 shown in FIG. 1 includes a cover cavity 66 located on the first cover end 62. In this embodiment, the second anchoring mandrel end 36 is installed in the cover cavity 66. The cover member 60 can include a first cover end face 68 engaged with the second slip end 74.

[0049] The fracturing bridge plug device 10 may further include a sealing support ring 48 located between the sealing member 90 and the slip device 70. The sealing support ring 48 is an additional component for strengthening the sealing of the fracturing bridge plug device 10 in the locked setting state of the present invention. According to the material composition of the sealing member 90, the sealing support ring 48 may also prevent the sealing member 90 from being squeezed. Figure 1 to Figure 4 As shown, the seal support ring 48 is composed of a plurality of ring segments 50. Each ring segment 52 overlaps with its adjacent ring segment 54 to support the seal member 90. The seal support ring 48 improves the durability of the seal member 90 and can prevent the seal member 90 from being squeezed toward the slip device 70. In the present invention, when it transitions from the downhole state to the locked setting state, the diameter of the seal support ring 48 and the diameter 56 of the seal support ring will increase accordingly, and the number of each ring segment 52 in the plurality of ring segments 50 that overlaps with the adjacent ring segment 54 will decrease.

[0050] Figure 4 Another embodiment of the cone 20, wherein the conical outer surface 28 includes a notch 58 between the first cone end 22 and the second cone end 24 to engage the sealing member 90 in the expanded position. The notch 58 can further support and stabilize the seal of the fracturing bridge plug device 10 in the locked setting state of the present invention.

[0051] Embodiments of the present invention also include methods of isolating a zone in a borehole using the frac bridge plug device 10. The method includes the steps of deploying the frac bridge plug device 10 in a downhole state, wherein the anchor ring 92 is within the cone 20, the anchor mandrel 32 is in a first ratchet lock position, the slip device 70 is in an initial position, and the sealing member 90 is in an initial position. The method also includes moving the threaded ring portion 94 of the anchor ring 92 along the externally threaded mandrel portion 38 from the first ratchet lock position to a second ratchet lock position closer to the first cone end 22, and placing the cap member 60 against the second slip end 74 to push the tapered inner surface 78 along the tapered outer surface 28. The method also includes placing the frac bridge plug device 10 in a set state, wherein the anchor ring 92 is within the cone 20, the anchor mandrel 32 is in the second ratchet lock position, the slip device 70 is in an extended position, and the sealing member 90 is in an expanded position. The setting state is a locked setting state, wherein the anchor ring 92 is in ratchet locking engagement with the anchor spindle 32 within the cone 20, and the anchor spindle 32 presses the cover member 60 against the slip device 70 to prevent the slip device 70 from retracting.

[0052] In the set state, the method further includes setting the slip assembly 70 into the borehole wall when the outer engagement surface 76 is in the extended position and sealing the sealing member 90 in the expanded position against the borehole wall. In this state, the diameters of the slip assembly 70 and the sealing member 90 are both larger than the diameters in the run-in state.

[0053] Embodiments of the method of the present invention also include an anchoring mandrel 32 comprised of a plurality of finger-shaped chucks 40 and a chuck base 42. The chuck base 42 is located on the second anchoring mandrel end 36, and the finger-shaped chucks 40 extend from the chuck base 42 toward the first anchoring mandrel end 34 and the cone 20. The step of moving the threaded ring portion 94 in the first ratchet locking position toward the second ratchet locking position also includes bending each finger-shaped chuck 40 and restoring each finger-shaped chuck 40. The threaded ring portion 94 can be ratchet-locked with the externally threaded mandrel portion 38 by a snap-fit ​​action. Due to the unidirectional nature of the thread, the threaded ring portion 94 cannot rest on the externally threaded mandrel portion 38 and move backward toward the first ratchet locking position. Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4Shown is an embodiment of an externally threaded mandrel portion 38 comprised of respective outer surfaces 46 of a finger clamp 40 .

[0054] The fracturing bridge plug assembly 10 of the alternative embodiment of the present invention includes a seal support ring 48 located between the sealing member 90 and the slip assembly 70. Figure 1 to Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the seal support ring 48 is composed of a plurality of ring segments 50. Each ring segment 52 of the plurality of ring segments 50 overlaps with an adjacent ring segment 54 of the plurality of ring segments 50. In the method of the present invention, the step of placing the fracturing bridge plug device 10 in a set state further includes the step of expanding the seal support ring 48 to prevent the sealing member 90 from being pressed toward the slip device 70. In certain embodiments, the diameter 56 of the seal support ring will increase accordingly, and the number of each ring segment 52 of the plurality of ring segments 50 that overlaps with the adjacent ring segment 54 will decrease.

[0055] In some embodiments, the tapered outer surface 28 includes a notch 58 between the first cone end 22 and the second cone end 24, and the steps of placing the cone in a set state, placing the slip assembly in an extended position, and placing the sealing member in an expanded position, further include the step of engaging the sealing member 90 in the expanded position to the notch 58. The notch 58 and the cover member 70 also lock the sealing member 90 in the expanded position and the slip assembly 70 in the extended position. The cone 20 and the slip assembly 70 are anchored by the friction fit engagement between the tapered surfaces and prevent the slip assembly 70 from releasing the cone 20.

[0056] The fracturing bridge plug device of the present invention can be used to isolate a layer section in a borehole. The sloped fracturing bridge plug of the present invention is still a simplified, short and compact fracturing bridge plug device, which is intended to keep the borehole wall sealed and prevent premature release in the borehole. The fracturing bridge plug device has an anchoring ring with a threaded ring portion and an anchoring mandrel with an externally threaded mandrel portion that cooperates with the threaded cone portion. The anchoring ring is contained in the cone, and the cover member is fixed on the anchoring mandrel to ensure that the anchoring ring is ratcheted and locked with the anchoring mandrel of the anchoring mandrel assembly, thereby preventing the cone from moving away from the anchoring mandrel. The cover member engaged with the anchoring mandrel locks the slip device in a corresponding position on the cone. Since the threaded ring portion of the anchoring ring will be separated from the cone, the cone can be made of composite materials. The fracturing bridge plug device of the present invention has a more elastic and reliable locked and sealed state.

[0057] The fracturing bridge plug device of the present invention comprises a soluble metal anchor ring with a threaded ring portion and a soluble metal anchor mandrel with an externally threaded mandrel portion. The anchor ring and the anchor mandrel can achieve reliable one-way ratchet locking engagement and are manufactured simultaneously with other simplified and compact components of the sloped fracturing bridge plug device. The cone can now be made of non-metallic composite materials. The slip device can be made of any material that can achieve friction fit engagement with the cone. The setting state of the fracturing bridge plug device no longer depends on the friction fit engagement between the conical surface of the cone and the slip device. In the present invention, the locking of the setting state will be achieved by the friction fit engagement between the cone and the slip device and the one-way ratchet locking thread engagement between the anchor ring in the cone and the anchor mandrel of the cover member. The simplified short fracturing bridge plug device of the present invention has a locked setting state to prevent the cone from being released prematurely in the slip, and maintains the borehole sealed by the friction between the cone and the slip device and the ratchet locking thread engagement between the anchor ring in the cone and the anchor mandrel.

[0058] The foregoing disclosure and description of the present invention are illustrative and explanatory. Various changes may be made to the details of the illustrated structures, constructions and methods without departing from the true spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A fracturing bridge plug device, wherein: include: A cone having a first cone end, a second cone end opposite to the first cone end, an inner core extending from the first cone end to the second cone end, and a tapered outer surface that decreases in outer cone diameter toward the second cone end, wherein the inner core comprises an inner annular groove closer to the second cone end than the first cone end; an anchoring mandrel assembly fixed to the cone; Wherein, the anchoring mandrel assembly comprises: an anchoring mandrel having a first anchoring mandrel end, a second anchoring mandrel end opposite the first anchoring mandrel end, and an externally threaded mandrel portion located at the first anchoring mandrel end; and an anchor ring having a threaded ring portion, the anchor ring being located in the inner ring groove; a cover member having a first cover end and a second cover end opposite the first cover end, the cover member being engaged with the second anchoring mandrel end; a slip assembly having a first slip end, a second slip end opposite the first slip end, an outer engagement surface, and a tapered inner surface with a diameter increasing toward the first slip end, wherein the first cover end faces the second slip end; and a sealing member mounted around the conical outer surface, with the slip device located between the sealing member and the cover member, Wherein, according to the ratchet locking engagement of the threaded cone part in the cone and the external threaded core shaft part, the tapered inner surface is slidably engaged with the tapered outer surface.

2. The fracturing bridge plug device according to claim 1, wherein: In the drilling state, the threaded ring portion in the cone and the externally threaded mandrel portion of the anchoring mandrel are in a first ratchet locking position, the slip device is in an initial position, and the sealing member is in an original position; Wherein, in the setting state, the threaded ring portion in the cone and the external threaded mandrel portion of the anchoring mandrel are in a second ratchet locking position, the slip device is in an extended position, and the sealing member is in an expanded position; wherein, when it is located at the second ratchet locking position, the first anchoring mandrel end is closer to the first cone end than when it is located at the first ratchet locking position; wherein the outer engagement surface is in the extended position to ensure that the slip device is seated in the borehole wall; and Wherein, the sealing member is in the expanded position to ensure sealing of the borehole wall.

3. The fracturing bridge plug device according to claim 1, wherein: The anchoring mandrel is removably engaged to the cover member, and Wherein, the cover component includes a cover cavity located at the first cover end.

4. The fracturing bridge plug device according to claim 3, wherein: The second anchoring mandrel end is mounted in the cover cavity.

5. The fracturing bridge plug device according to claim 2, wherein: The cover member applies pressure to the second slip end to prevent the slip assembly from releasing from the cone in the set state.

6. The fracturing bridge plug device according to claim 5, wherein: The cover member includes a first cover end surface engaged with the second slip end.

7. The fracturing bridge plug device according to claim 1, wherein: The anchoring mandrel includes a plurality of finger grips and a grip base located on the second anchoring mandrel end, the plurality of finger grips extending from the grip base toward the first anchoring mandrel end and the threaded ring portion of the cone.

8. The fracturing bridge plug device according to claim 7, wherein: The externally threaded mandrel portion includes respective outer surfaces of a plurality of the finger grips.

9. The fracturing bridge plug device according to claim 1, wherein: The anchoring ring is C-shaped or ring-shaped.

10. The fracturing bridge plug device according to claim 1, wherein: The threaded ring portion at least covers a portion of the inner ring surface of the anchor ring.

11. The fracturing bridge plug device according to claim 1, wherein: Also includes: A seal support ring is located between the seal member and the slip arrangement.

12. The fracturing bridge plug device according to claim 11, wherein: The seal support ring includes a plurality of ring segments, and each ring segment of the plurality of ring segments overlaps with an adjacent ring segment of the plurality of ring segments to prevent the seal member from being pressed toward the slip device.

13. The fracturing bridge plug device according to claim 12, wherein: The sealing support ring is expandable, and when the diameter of the sealing support ring increases, the number of each ring segment in the plurality of ring segments that overlaps with adjacent ring segments will decrease.

14. A method of isolating a zone in a borehole, wherein: The method comprises the following steps: deploying the fracturing bridge plug device according to claim 2 in the downhole state, wherein the anchor ring is in the cone, the anchor mandrel is in the first ratchet locking position, the slip device is in the initial position, and the sealing member is in the original position; moving the threaded ring portion along the externally threaded spindle portion from the first ratchet locking position to a second ratchet locking position closer to the first tapered end; using the cap member to push the tapered inner surface along the tapered outer surface to rest against the second slip end; and The fracturing bridge plug is placed in the set state, wherein the anchor ring is located in the cone, the anchor mandrel is located in the second ratchet locking position, the slip device is located in the extended position, and the sealing member is located in the expanded position.

15. The method for isolating a productive layer and a non-productive layer in a borehole according to claim 14, wherein: The following steps are also included: setting the slip assembly in the borehole wall with the outer engagement surface in the extended position; as well as The sealing member is pressed against the borehole wall to seal in the expanded position.

16. The method of isolating a zone in a borehole according to claim 14, wherein: the anchoring mandrel includes a plurality of finger-shaped collets and a collet base, the collet base being located on the second anchoring mandrel end, the plurality of finger-shaped collets extending from the collet base toward the first anchoring mandrel end and the cone, and Wherein, the step of moving the threaded cone portion located at the first ratchet locking position to the second ratchet locking position further includes bending each finger-shaped clamp and restoring each finger-shaped clamp.

17. A method of isolating a zone in a borehole according to claim 16, wherein: The externally threaded mandrel portion includes respective outer surfaces of a plurality of the finger grips.

18. The method of isolating a zone interval in a borehole according to claim 14, wherein: The fracturing bridge plug device further includes a sealing support ring located between the sealing member and the slip device, the sealing support ring including a plurality of ring segments, each of the plurality of ring segments overlapping with an adjacent ring segment of the plurality of ring segments, and Wherein, when the anchor ring is located in the cone, the anchor mandrel is located in the second ratchet locking position, the slip device is located in the extended position, and the sealing member is located in the expanded position, the step of placing the fracturing bridge plug device in the set state further includes the following steps: The seal support ring expands to prevent the seal member from being pressed toward the slip arrangement.

19. A method of isolating a zone in a borehole according to claim 18, wherein: The support ring expansion step includes increasing the seal support ring diameter 56 while reducing the overlap of each of the plurality of ring segments with an adjacent ring segment.

20. The method of isolating a zone interval in a borehole according to claim 14, wherein: The tapered outer surface includes a notch between the first tapered end and the second tapered end, and Wherein, when the anchor ring is in the cone, the anchor mandrel is in the second ratchet locking position, the slip device is in the extended position, and the sealing member is in the extended position, the step of placing the fracturing bridge plug device in a set state further includes the following steps: The sealing member is engaged to the recess in the expanded position.

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