Downhole setting tool with exhaust diffuser

A method for redressing a setting tool for actuating a plug in a subterranean wellbore, the method comprising:

• (a) recovering the setting tool from the wellbore, the setting tool comprising a housing with a throughbore therein, a piston arranged for axial movement within the throughbore, a combustible element, and an exhaust diffuser, wherein the setting tool comprises an initial configuration prior to generation of a flow of combustion products and in which the piston is located in a first axial position in the housing, and a set configuration with the piston located in a second axial position in the housing spaced from the first axial position, the piston being displaced from the first axial position to the second axial position by the flow combustion products generated in response to ignition of the combustible element, the flow of combustion products being obstructed by the exhaust diffuser, and wherein fluid communication is permitted through the exhaust diffuser in both the initial configuration and the set configuration with the exhaust diffuser configured to obstruct flow along a flowpath extending from an exhaust port of the piston in both the initial configuration and the set configuration;
• (b) removing the piston from the throughbore of the housing;
• (c) removing the exhaust diffuser from the housing;
• (d) cleaning the piston and the housing;
• and
• (e) reinstalling the piston into the housing of the setting tool with at least one of the exhaust diffuser and a replacement exhaust diffuser for subsequent use of the setting tool in a wellbore.

A method for redressing a setting tool for actuating a plug in a subterranean wellbore, the method comprising:

• (a) recovering the setting tool from the wellbore, the setting tool comprising a housing with a throughbore therein, a piston arranged for axial movement within the throughbore, a combustible element, and an exhaust diffuser comprising an annular, radially extending baffle face configured to redirect a flow of combustion products generated in response to ignition of the combustible element, wherein the setting tool comprises an initial configuration prior to generation of a flow of combustion products and in which the piston is located in a first axial position in the housing, and a set configuration with the piston located in a second axial position in the housing spaced from the first axial position, the piston being displaced from the first axial position to the second axial position by the flow of combustion products, and wherein fluid communication is permitted through the exhaust diffuser in both the initial configuration and the set configuration;
• (b) removing the piston from the throughbore of the housing;
• (c) removing the exhaust diffuser from the housing;
• (d) cleaning the piston and the housing;
• and
• (e) reinstalling the piston into the housing of the setting tool with at least one of the exhaust diffuser and a replacement exhaust diffuser for subsequent use of the setting tool in a wellbore.