A SEALING ASSEMBLY USING A CYLINDRICAL EXTRUSION LIMITER

Abstract

A sealing assembly (200), a well system (100), and a method are shown. The sealing assembly, in one aspect, comprises a mandrel (210) and a sealing element (220) positioned around the mandrel. The sealing element, in this aspect, comprises a cylindrical extrusion limiter (240) positioned radially around a central point of the sealing element.The sealing assembly, according to this aspect, further comprises a first collar sleeve (230) coupled near a first end of the sealing element (225a), and a second collar sleeve (235) coupled near a second end of the sealing element (225b), wherein the first and second collar sleeves are configured to move axially along the mandrel to move the sealing element between a radially retracted state and a radially expanded state, and wherein the cylindrical extrusion limiter is configured to break to expand from an unexpanded state to an expanded state when the sealing element moves from the radially retracted state to the radially expanded state. Figure for the abstract: Figure 1.

Description

Title of the invention: A SEALING ASSEMBLY USING A CYLINDRICAL EXTRUSION LIMITER REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 516,951, filed August 1, 2023, entitled “SEALING ASSEMBLY EMPLOYING A CYLINDRICAL EXTRUSION LIMITER,” commonly assigned to this application. CONTEXT

[0002] Wellbores are drilled into the earth for a variety of purposes, including accessing hydrocarbon-bearing formations. Various downhole tools may be used in a wellbore to access and extract these hydrocarbons. Throughout the process, it may be necessary to isolate sections of the wellbore to create pressure zones. Downhole tools, such as hydraulic fracturing ("frac") plugs, bridge plugs, packers, and other suitable tools, may be used to isolate wellbore sections.

[0003] Downhole tools, such as frac plugs, are typically introduced into the wellbore on a conveyance such as a wireline, work string, or production casing. These tools typically have an internal or external securing tool, which serves to secure the downhole tool in the wellbore and hold it in place. Once in place, the downhole tools allow fluid communication between sections of the wellbore above and below the plug until another downhole tool, such as a ball, is pumped down to seat in the plug and interrupt fluid communication through the plug and a sealing assembly, which may be rubber and extends outward to seal the flow of fluid around the downhole tool. BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0004] Reference is now made to the following descriptions, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0005] [Fig.l] illustrates a schematic view of a well system designed, manufactured and operated according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein;

[0006] [Fig.2A], [Fig.2B], [Fig.2C], [Fig.2D], [Fig.2E], [Fig.2F], [Fig.2G] and [Fig.2H] illustrate various cross-sectional views of various deployment states of a sealing assembly designed, manufactured and / or operated according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure;

[0007] [Fig.3A], [Fig.3B], [Fig.3C], [Fig.3D], [Fig.3E], [Fig.3F], [Fig.3G] and [Fig.3H] illustrate various cross-sectional views of various deployment states of a sealing assembly designed, manufactured and / or operated in accordance with one or more alternative embodiments of the disclosure;

[0008] [Fig.4A], [Fig.4B], [Fig.4C], [Fig.4D], [Fig.4E], [Fig.4F], [Fig.4G] and [Fig.4H] illustrate various cross-sectional views of various deployment states of a sealing assembly designed, manufactured and / or operated in accordance with one or more alternative embodiments of the disclosure; and

[0009] [Fig.5A], [Fig.5B], [Fig.5C], [Fig.5D] and [Fig.5E] illustrate different sectional views cross-sectional view of various deployment states of a sealing assembly designed, manufactured and / or operated according to one or more alternative embodiments of the disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] In the following drawings and descriptions, similar parts are generally indicated in the specification and drawings by means of the same reference numerals, respectively. The drawn figures are not necessarily to scale. Certain features of the disclosure may be shown on an exaggerated scale or in a rather schematic form, and certain details of certain elements may not be shown for the sake of clarity and conciseness. The present disclosure may be embodied in embodiments of various forms.

[0011] Specific embodiments are described in detail and illustrated in the drawings, it being understood that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the disclosure and is not intended to limit the disclosure to that which is illustrated and described herein. It is to be recognized that the various teachings of the embodiments discussed herein may be used separately or in any suitable combination to produce the desired results.

[0012] Unless otherwise indicated, the use of the terms "connect," "engage," "couple," "attach," or any other similar term describing an interaction between elements is not intended to limit the interaction to a direct interaction between the elements and may also include an indirect interaction between the elements described. Unless otherwise indicated, the use of the terms "top," "upper," "upward," "upstream," or other similar terms shall be construed as generally away from the bottom, terminal end of a well; likewise, the use of the terms "bottom," "lower," "downward," "downstream," "downstream," or other similar terms shall be construed as generally toward the bottom, terminal end of a well, regardless of the orientation of the wellbore. The use of one or more of the foregoing terms shall not be construed as denoting positions along a perfectly vertical axis. Unless otherwise stated, the use of the term "subsurface formation" should be interpreted to include both exposed underground areas and underground areas covered by water, such as ocean or fresh water.

[0013] Sealing elements have traditionally been an essential part of a sealing assembly. The present disclosure has recognized, however, that sealing elements tend to encounter difficulties when the expansion rate (e.g., the distance the sealing elements must travel between their radially retracted state and their radially expanded state to engage a hole, such as a wellbore, tubing, casing, etc.) is large. More specifically, the present disclosure has recognized that such sealing elements often encounter difficulties in open hole conditions that require large expansion rates. For example, due to the large extrusion gap under certain conditions, when the sealing element expands, it often loses its axial stiffness and escapes the desired load path.

[0014] In view of the foregoing findings, the present disclosure proposes inserting a cylindrical extrusion limiter radially around the sealing member. The cylindrical extrusion limiter, according to this embodiment, is configured to rupture (e.g., rupture to form first and second separate extrusion limiting rings) to expand from an unexpanded state to an expanded state as the sealing member moves from a radially retracted state to a radially expanded state. In at least one embodiment, the cylindrical extrusion limiter is located radially around a center point of the sealing member. In at least one other embodiment, the cylindrical extrusion limiter is located radially about at least 60 percent of the sealing member, otherwise at least 80 percent, otherwise at least 90 percent, otherwise at least 95 percent.In another embodiment, the cylindrical extrusion limiter is located radially around the entire sealing element.

[0015] In yet another embodiment, the extrusion limiter is located radially around a center point of the sealing member, but is not located around the entire sealing member. In this embodiment, separate top-of-hole and bottom-of-hole retaining rings may overlap radially outside the extrusion limiter, thereby creating a three-part design.

[0016] The cylindrical extrusion limiter, in at least one embodiment, includes an extrusion limiter body having a weakened region near its midpoint. The weakened region, in at least one embodiment, is a circumferential notch located around an inner radial surface of the limiter body. extrusion. The weakened region, in at least one other embodiment, is a circumferential notch located around an outer radial surface of the extrusion limiter body. The weakened region, in at least one other embodiment, is a series of holes extending entirely through the thickness of the extrusion limiter body. In at least one embodiment, the series of holes is a series of slots extending entirely through the thickness of the extrusion limiter body. The weakened region, in at least one embodiment, is configured to remain intact prior to attachment of the sealing member, but once sufficient axial compression is exerted on the sealing member, the sealing member fractures, producing separate first and second extrusion limiting rings.

[0017] Turning to [Fig. 1], it illustrates an elevational view of a well system 100 in which a wellbore sealing system 135 according to an example of the present disclosure may be implemented. Although [Fig. 1] depicts an onshore well system 100, those skilled in the art will also appreciate that aspects of this disclosure may be applied to other well sites, including offshore, on fixed or floating platforms, subsea, and / or other types of well operations. A representative wellbore 110 is illustrated having been drilled through one or more subterranean formations 115. [Fig.l] shows a straight, vertical portion of the wellbore 110, but it is understood that directional drilling techniques may be implemented, for example, using a steerable rotary system providing directional control to deviate from the vertical and achieve any desired path for the wellbore. A tubular, generally metallic casing 120 is cemented in place to reinforce the wellbore 110. For purposes of this disclosure, the interior surface of the casing 120, when present, may operatively define an interior surface of the wellbore 110. The wellbore sealing system 135 is generally used to seal the wellbore 110 by sealing it against the inside diameter (ID) of the casing 120.

[0018] The wellbore sealing system 135, in at least one embodiment, includes a sealing assembly 150, illustrated in [Fig. 1] in a run-in-hole (RIH) condition prior to being secured by a securing tool 140. The sealing assembly 150 is introduced into the wellbore 110 on a conveyance which, in this example, includes a casing string 130, but could alternatively include coiled tubing, a cable, or other conveyance. The casing string 130 may extend to a ground level (e.g., "surface") wellhead 125 of the well system 100, to convey produced fluids from the hydrocarbon-bearing formation to the surface.

[0019] The fastening tool 140, in one embodiment, includes an actuatable element, such as a sleeve 145, for applying an axial fastening force significant (e.g., hydraulically) to secure the sealing assembly 150, for example, once the sealing assembly 150 is positioned at a desired location within the wellbore 110. Securing the sealing assembly 150 compresses the components (e.g., collar sleeves, sealing elements, etc.) of the sealing assembly 150 axially, which may both anchor the sealing assembly 150 in the casing 120 and seal it against the casing 120. For example, the sealing assembly 150 may be secured in the illustrated axial position to sealingly isolate a top portion of the wellbore 110 from a bottom portion of the wellbore 110.In some examples, the sealing assembly 150 may be a hydraulic fracturing plug (i.e., a frac plug) used to plug the wellbore 110 prior to performing a hydraulic fracturing operation in the upper portion of the wellbore 110. In another embodiment, the sealing assembly 150 is a packer. The various configurations described below may allow the sealing assembly 150 to be placed in a larger diameter and / or a larger range of diameters than would normally be achievable with a conventional tool.

[0020] In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing system 150 includes a cylindrical extrusion limiter 155, for example positioned radially around a sealing element. As will be explained in detail below, the cylindrical extrusion limiter 155 is configured to break and deploy from an undeployed state to a deployed state as the sealing element moves from the radially retracted state to the radially expanded state.

[0021] Turning now to [Fig. 2A] through 2H, they illustrate various cross-sectional views of various deployment states of a sealing assembly 200 designed, manufactured, and / or operated in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. [Fig. 2A] through 2F illustrate the sealing assembly 200 in a run-in state (e.g., undeployed state), while [Fig. 2G] and 2H illustrate the sealing assembly 200 in a deployed state. In the illustrated embodiments, the sealing assembly 200 includes a mandrel 210. The mandrel 210, in one or more embodiments, is a fixed mandrel 210, and thus remains with the sealing assembly 200 regardless of its deployment state. In another embodiment, the mandrel 210 is a removable mandrel 210, and thus can be removed.

[0022] In the illustrated embodiment, a sealing element 220 is positioned around the mandrel 210. Although a single sealing element 220 is illustrated in [Fig. 2A] to 2H, other embodiments may exist in which multiple sealing elements are used. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the sealing element 220 is an elastomeric sealing element. According to In this embodiment, the sealing element 220 may be a non-inflatable sealing element.

[0023] In the illustrated embodiment, a first collar sleeve 230 is coupled proximate a first end 225a of the sealing member 220, and a second collar sleeve 235 is coupled proximate a second end 225b of the sealing member 220. In at least one embodiment, the first and second sleeves 230, 235 are configured to move axially relative to each other along the mandrel 210 to move the sealing member 220 between a radially retracted state (e.g., that illustrated in [Fig. 2C]) and a radially expanded state (e.g., that illustrated in [Fig. 2G]).For example, in at least one embodiment, the inclined surfaces of the first and second sleeves 230, 235 may engage the inclined surfaces of the sealing element 220, such that the sealing element 220 is forced radially outward as the first and second sleeves 230, 235 move relative to each other.

[0024] In the illustrated example, the sealing assembly 200 may also include a cylindrical extrusion limiter 240 positioned radially about a center point of the sealing member 220. According to one or more embodiments, the cylindrical extrusion limiter 240 is configured to rupture and expand from an unexpanded state to an expanded state (e.g., rupture to form the first and second distinct extrusion limiting rings 240a, 240b) as the sealing member 220 moves from the radially retracted state to the radially expanded state.

[0025] In at least one embodiment, the cylindrical extrusion limiter 240 includes an extrusion limiter body 242 having a weakened region 244. In one or more embodiments, the weakened region 244 is located substantially proximate a midpoint of the extrusion limiter body 242. The term "substantially proximate," as used herein with reference to the midpoint of the extrusion limiter body 242, means that the weakened region 244 is located within 20 percent of the midpoint of the extrusion limiter body 242. In another embodiment, the weakened region 244 is located ideally proximate its midpoint, with the term "ideally proximate" meaning that the weakened region 244 is located within 5 percent of the midpoint of the extrusion limiter body 242.In another embodiment, the weakened region 244 is located exactly at the midpoint, meaning that the weakened region 244 is located within 1 percent of the midpoint of the extrusion limiter body 242.

[0026] The weakened region 244 may take many different sizes, shapes and / or styles and remain within the scope of the present disclosure. However, in the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 2A] through 2F, the weakened region 244 is a circumferential notch 246 located around an inner radial surface of the body of extrusion limiter 242. The circumferential notch 246, in the illustrated embodiment, may not extend entirely through the thickness of the extrusion limiter body 242. While the embodiment of [Fig. 2A] through 2F illustrates that a single notch 246 extends circumferentially around an entire inner radial surface of the extrusion limiter body 242, other embodiments may exist in which one or more circumferential notches 246 extend around only a portion of the inner radial surface of the extrusion limiter body 242. Further, while the embodiment of [Fig. 2A] through 2F illustrates that the circumferential notch 246 is located around an inner radial surface, in one or more other embodiments, the weakened region 244 is a notch circumferentially located around an outer radial surface of the extrusion limiter body 242.

[0027] The cylindrical extrusion limiter 240 may comprise many different materials and remain within the scope of the disclosure. In at least one embodiment, however, the cylindrical extrusion limiter 240 comprises a deployable ductile metal, such as AISI 1018 steel or SAE 316L grade stainless steel. In yet another embodiment, the cylindrical extrusion limiter 240 comprises a dissoluble or corrodible material. In yet another embodiment, the cylindrical extrusion limiter 240 comprises a deployable plastic, polymer, or composite. For example, in at least one embodiment, at least a portion of the cylindrical extrusion limiter 240 comprises a material having a yield strength of 40 ksi or less, or even 30 ksi or less.

[0028] The cylindrical extrusion limiter 240, depending on the design of the sealing assembly 200, may cover varying amounts of the sealing element 220. For example, in at least one embodiment, the cylindrical extrusion limiter 240 is located radially around at least 60 percent of the sealing element 220. In yet another embodiment, the cylindrical extrusion limiter 240 is located radially around at least 80 percent of the sealing element 220, or even at least 90 percent, or even at least 95 percent. In another embodiment, the cylindrical extrusion limiter 240 is located radially around the entire sealing element, as illustrated in [Fig. 2A] through 2F.

[0029] The sealing assembly 200, in the illustrated embodiment, may further include one or more anchoring systems 250. In the illustrated example, a first anchoring system 250a and a second anchoring system 250b are included in the sealing assembly 200 to secure the sealing assembly 200 to the bottom of the hole. In the illustrated embodiment, the first anchoring system 250a is engaged with an outer tapered face 230a of the first collar sleeve 230, and the second anchoring system 250b is engaged with an outer tapered face 235a of the second collar sleeve 235. Thus, the same axial fastening force provided by a fastening tool to deploy the sealing element 220 into sealing engagement with the hole can also be used to deploy the first and second anchoring systems 250a, 250b into sealing engagement with the hole.

[0030] In one or more embodiments, the lower end of the sealing assembly 200 also includes an orientation ramp 260 that protects certain other elements of the sealing assembly 200 as it is lowered into the hole. The orientation ramp 260 also allows the sealing assembly 200 to pass through other tools, casing joints, or anything that presents a disturbance that may block the sealing assembly 200.

[0031] Turning to [Fig. 2G] and 2H, the sealing assembly 200 is illustrated in the deployed state. Thus, the sealing member 220 has transitioned from the radially retracted state (e.g., illustrated in [Fig. 2A] to 2F) to the radially expanded state. Further, the cylindrical extrusion limiter 240 has fractured, resulting in the formation of the first and second extrusion limiting rings 240a, 240b. The first and second extrusion limiting rings 240a, 240b, as illustrated, may deform and / or deploy to create a barrier that prevents extrusion of the sealing member 220 when deployed.

[0032] Turning now to [Fig. 3A] through 3H, they illustrate various cross-sectional views of various deployment states of a sealing assembly 300 designed, manufactured and / or operated in accordance with one or more alternative embodiments of the disclosure. The sealing assembly 300 of [Fig. 3A] through 3H is similar in several respects to the sealing assembly 200 of [Fig. 2A] through 2H. Thus, similar reference numerals have been used to indicate similar, or even identical, elements. The sealing assembly 300 differs, in large part, from the sealing assembly 200 in that the sealing assembly 300 uses a cylindrical extrusion limiter 340 comprising an extrusion limiter body 342 with a weakened region 344 that does not wrap around the sealing member 220. Once the cylindrical extrusion limiter 340 breaks, separate first and second extrusion limiting rings 340a, 340b result.The first and second extrusion limiting rings 340a, 340b, as illustrated, may deform and / or expand to create a barrier that prevents extrusion of the sealing member 220 when expanded.

[0033] Turning now to [Fig. 4A] to 4H, they illustrate various cross-sectional views of various deployment states of a sealing assembly 400 designed, manufactured and / or operated according to one or more alternative embodiments of the disclosure. The sealing assembly 400 of [Fig. 4A] to 4H is similar in several respects to the sealing assembly 300 of [Fig. 3A] to 3H. Thus, numbers Similar references have been used to indicate similar or even identical elements. The sealing assembly 400 differs, in substantial part, from the sealing assembly 300 in that the sealing assembly 400 uses a cylindrical extrusion limiter 440, having a weakened region 444 substantially proximate a midpoint thereof. Further, in this embodiment at least, the weakened region 444 is a series of holes 446 extending entirely through the extrusion limiter body 442. In the illustrated embodiment, the series of holes 446 is a series of slots extending entirely through the extrusion limiter body. However, any number, size, shape, location, and / or spacing of the series of holes 446 may be used and remains within the scope of the disclosure.

[0034] Turning now to [Fig. 5A] through 5E, they illustrate various cross-sectional views of various deployment states of a sealing assembly 500 designed, manufactured, and / or operated in accordance with one or more alternative embodiments of the disclosure. The sealing assembly 500 of [Fig. 5A] through 5E is similar in several respects to the sealing assembly 200 of [Fig. 2A] through 2H. Thus, like reference numerals have been used to indicate like, or even identical, elements. The sealing assembly 500 differs, in substantial part, from the sealing assembly 200 in that the sealing assembly 500 utilizes a three-part cylindrical extrusion limiter 540.For example, this three-part cylindrical extrusion limiter 540 may include a central cylindrical extrusion limiter 540a, but also separate top and bottom retaining rings 540b, 540c overlapping radially outside the central cylindrical extrusion limiter 540a.

[0035] Aspects disclosed herein include:

[0036] A. A sealing assembly, the sealing assembly comprising: 1) a mandrel; 2) a sealing member positioned about the mandrel; 3) a cylindrical extrusion limiter positioned radially about a center point of the sealing member; 4) a first collar sleeve coupled proximate a first end of the sealing member; and 5) a second collar sleeve coupled proximate a second end of the sealing member, wherein the first and second collar sleeves are configured to move axially relative to each other along the mandrel to move the sealing member between a radially retracted state and a radially expanded state, and wherein the cylindrical extrusion limiter is configured to break to deploy from an undeployed state to a deployed state as the sealing member moves from the radially retracted state to the radially expanded state.

[0037] B. A well system, the well system comprising: 1) a wellbore located in a subterranean formation; and 2) a sealing assembly positioned in the wellbore, the sealing assembly comprising: a) a mandrel; b) a member sealing element positioned around the mandrel; c) a cylindrical extrusion limiter positioned radially around a center point of the sealing element; d) a first collar sleeve coupled proximate a first end of the sealing element; and 3) a second collar sleeve coupled proximate a second end of the sealing element, wherein the first and second collar sleeves are configured to move axially relative to each other along the mandrel to move the sealing element between a radially retracted state and a radially expanded state, and wherein the cylindrical extrusion limiter is configured to break to deploy from an undeployed state to a deployed state as the sealing element moves from the radially retracted state to the radially expanded state.

[0038] C. A method, the method comprising: 1) positioning a sealing assembly in a wellbore located in a subterranean formation, the sealing assembly comprising: a) a mandrel; b) a sealing element positioned around the mandrel; c) a cylindrical extrusion limiter positioned radially around a center point of the sealing element; d) a first collar sleeve coupled proximate a first end of the sealing element;and 3) a second collar sleeve coupled proximate a second end of the sealing member, wherein the first and second collar sleeves are configured to move axially relative to each other along the mandrel to move the sealing member between a radially retracted state and a radially expanded state, and wherein the cylindrical extrusion limiter is configured to break to deploy from an undeployed state to a deployed state as the sealing member moves from the radially retracted state to the radially expanded state; and 2) moving the sealing member from the radially retracted state to the radially expanded state, the movement causing the cylindrical extrusion limiter to break and deploy from the undeployed state to the deployed state. ;

[0039] Aspects A, B and C may comprise one or more of the following additional elements in combination: Element 1: wherein the cylindrical extrusion limiter comprises an extrusion limiter body having a weakened region substantially proximate its midpoint. Element 2: wherein the cylindrical extrusion limiter comprises an extrusion limiter body having a weakened region ideally proximate its midpoint. Element 3: wherein the weakened region is a circumferential notch located around an inner radial surface of the extrusion limiter body. Element 4: wherein the weakened region is a circumferential notch located around an outer radial surface of the extrusion limiter body. Element 5: wherein the weakened region is a series of holes extending entirely through the thickness of the extrusion limiter body. Feature 6: wherein the weakened region is a series of slots extending entirely through the thickness of the extrusion limiter body. Feature 7: wherein the cylindrical extrusion limiter is located radially around the entire sealing element. Feature 8: wherein the cylindrical extrusion limiter is located radially around at least 60 percent of the sealing element. Feature 9: wherein the cylindrical extrusion limiter is a three-part cylindrical extrusion limiter located radially around a center point of the sealing element, the three-part cylindrical extrusion limiter including a central cylindrical extrusion limiter and separate top and bottom retaining rings overlapping radially outboard of the central cylindrical extrusion limiter.

[0040] Those skilled in the art to which the present application relates will understand that other additions, deletions, substitutions and modifications may be made to the described embodiments.

Claims

Claims

1. A sealing assembly (200), comprising: a mandrel (210); a sealing member (220) positioned around the mandrel; a cylindrical extrusion limiter (240) positioned radially around a center point of the sealing member; a first collar sleeve (230) coupled proximate a first end of the sealing member (225a); and a second collar sleeve (235) coupled proximate a second end of the sealing member (225b), wherein the first and second collar sleeves are configured to move axially relative to each other along the mandrel to move the sealing member between a radially retracted state and a radially expanded state, and wherein the cylindrical extrusion limiter is configured to break to deploy from an undeployed state to a deployed state as the sealing member moves from the radially retracted state to the radially expanded state.

2. The sealing assembly of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical extrusion limiter comprises an extrusion limiter body (242) having a weakened region (244) substantially near its midpoint.

3. The sealing assembly of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical extrusion limiter comprises an extrusion limiter body having a weakened region ideally near its midpoint.

4. The sealing assembly of claim 2 or 3, wherein the weakened region is a circumferential notch (246) located around an inner radial surface of the extrusion limiter body or optionally wherein the weakened region is a circumferential notch located around an outer radial surface of the extrusion limiter body.

5. The sealing assembly of claim 2 or 3, wherein the weakened region is a series of holes (446) extending entirely through the thickness of the extrusion limiter body or optionally wherein the weakened region is a series of slots extending entirely through the thickness of the extrusion limiter body.

6. The sealing assembly of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical extrusion limiter is located radially around the entire sealing member.

7. The sealing assembly of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical extrusion limiter is located radially around at least 60 percent of the sealing member or optionally wherein the cylindrical extrusion limiter is a three-part cylindrical extrusion limiter (540) located radially around a center point of the sealing member, the three-part cylindrical extrusion limiter including a central cylindrical extrusion limiter (540a) and separate top and bottom retaining rings (540b), 540c) overlapping radially outward from the central cylindrical extrusion limiter.

8. A well system (100), comprising: a wellbore (110) located in a subterranean formation (115); and a sealing assembly (200) positioned in the wellbore, the sealing assembly comprising: a mandrel (210); a sealing element (220) positioned about the mandrel; a cylindrical extrusion limiter (240) positioned radially about a center point of the sealing element; a first collar sleeve (230) coupled proximate a first end of the sealing element (225a);and a second collar sleeve (235) coupled proximate a second end of the sealing member (225b), wherein the first and second collar sleeves are configured to move axially relative to each other along the mandrel to move the sealing member between a radially retracted state and a radially expanded state, and wherein the cylindrical extrusion limiter is configured to break to deploy from an undeployed state to a deployed state as the sealing member moves from the radially retracted state to the radially expanded state.;

9. The well system of claim 8, wherein the cylindrical extrusion limiter comprises an extrusion limiter body (242) having a weakened region (244) substantially near its midpoint.

10. The well system of claim 8, wherein the cylindrical extrusion limiter comprises an extrusion limiter body having a weakened region ideally near its midpoint.

11. The well system of claim 9 or 10, wherein the weakened region is a circumferential notch (246) located around an inner radial surface of the extrusion limiter body or optionally wherein the weakened region is a circumferential notch located around an outer radial surface of the extrusion limiter body.

12. The well system of claim 9 or 10, wherein the weakened region is a series of holes (446) extending entirely through the extrusion limiter body or optionally wherein the weakened region is a series of slots extending entirely through the extrusion limiter body.

13. The well system of claim 8, wherein the cylindrical extrusion limiter is located radially around the entire sealing element.

14. The well system of claim 8, wherein the cylindrical extrusion limiter is located radially around at least 60 percent of the sealing member or optionally wherein the cylindrical extrusion limiter is a three-part cylindrical extrusion limiter (540) located radially around a center point of the sealing member, the three-part cylindrical extrusion limiter including a central cylindrical extrusion limiter (540a) and separate top and bottom retaining rings (540b, 540c) overlapping radially outward from the central cylindrical extrusion limiter.

15. A method, comprising: positioning a sealing assembly (200) in a wellbore (110) located in a subterranean formation (115), the sealing assembly comprising: a mandrel (210); a sealing element (220) positioned about the mandrel; a cylindrical extrusion limiter (240) positioned radially about a center point of the sealing element; a first collar sleeve (230) coupled proximate a first end of the sealing element (225a); and a second collar sleeve (235) coupled proximate a second end of the sealing member (225b), wherein the first and second collar sleeves are configured to move axially relative to each other along the mandrel to move the sealing member between a radially retracted state and a radially expanded state, and wherein the cylindrical extrusion limiter is configured to break to deploy from an undeployed state to a deployed state as the sealing member moves from the radially retracted state to the radially expanded state; and moving the sealing member from the radially retracted state to the radially expanded state, the movement causing the cylindrical extrusion limiter to break and deploy from the undeployed state to the deployed state.

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