Micro frac plug
AssigneeMicroPlug, LLC
InventorKevin Dewayne Jones
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A micro frac plug used to seal individual perforations formed in a casing installed within a subterranean wellbore. The plug comprises an insert element and a deformable sleeve. The insert element is received and retained within a medial section of the sleeve. The plug is sized to be lodged in or seated on a single perforation. The plug blocks fluid from flowing through the perforation.
Claims19
An apparatus, comprising:
- a plug configured for use within an underground wellbore, the plug comprising:
- an insert element;
- and
- a deformable sleeve that receives and retains the insert element within a medial section;
- in which the sleeve is tubular and is open on its opposed first and second ends;
- and in which the maximum cross-sectional dimension of the insert element exceeds the maximum cross-sectional dimension of the sleeve while in a relaxed state.
A method for treating a wellbore having a perforated casing using a plurality of plugs, each plug comprising an insert element and a deformable sleeve that receives and retains the insert element within a medial section in which the sleeve is tubular and is open on its opposed first and second ends;
- and in which the maximum cross-sectional dimension of the insert element exceeds the maximum cross-sectional dimension of the sleeve while in a relaxed state, the method comprising:
- lowering the plurality of plugs into the casing;
- thereafter, increasing fluid pressure within the casing;
- thereafter, decreasing fluid pressure within the casing;
- thereafter, allowing fluid contained within the casing to flow towards a ground surface, in which the fluid carries at least one of the plurality of plugs;
- and
- retrieving at least one of the plurality of plugs from the fluid at the ground surface.
A plug, comprising:
- an insert element;
- and
- a deformable sleeve that receives and retains the insert element within a medial section;
- in which the sleeve comprises an inner sleeve and a separate outer sleeve positioned over the inner sleeve;
- and
- in which an outer surface of the inner sleeve carries a helical ridge.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.