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US 12,716,319 B1Granted
Retrievable packer and bridge plug apparatus and method for using same
AssigneeOilfield Service Professionals, LLC
InventorsBlake L. Arabie, Scotty Verret
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A modular packer/bridge plug apparatus combines functionality of retrievable packer and retrievable bridge plug, fully deployable as a single modular assembly, yet has features that are capable of being independently and selectively operated. A bridge plug feature can be selectively “locked out” when desired, while a retrievable packer feature can operate independently of the bridge plug. The modular packer/bridge plug apparatus reduces the need for separate equipment on a drilling rig or other work location.
Claims2
A modular multi-function downhole apparatus for use within a casing string comprising:
- a) a retrievable bridge plug assembly configured to selectively alternate between a first unset configuration and a second set configuration;
- b) a retrievable packer assembly configured to selectively alternate between a first unset configuration and a second set configuration, wherein said retrievable bridge plug assembly and retrievable packer assembly are configured to operate independently of each other;
- and
- c) a fluid bypass extending around said retrievable bridge plug assembly and said retrievable packer assembly, wherein said fluid bypass is configured to selectively alternate between an open configuration and a closed configuration, regardless of the configurations of said retrievable bridge plug assembly and said retrievable packer assembly;
- d) a J-slot configured to control operation of a plurality of gripping slips;
- e) a Z-slot configured to control alternating of said fluid flow path from said open configuration to said closed configuration wherein said J-slot and said Z-slot are configured to be actuated separately.
3 more elements
A method for conducting downhole operations in a wellbore comprising:
- a) providing a modular multi-function downhole apparatus for use within a casing string, said modular multi-function downhole apparatus comprising:
- i) a body section having an upper end, a lower end and a central through bore;
- i) a retrievable packer assembly configured to alternate between a first unset position and a second set position, said retrievable packer assembly comprising:
- aa) a plurality of gripping slips operationally attached to said body section, wherein said plurality of gripping slips are configured to be selectively shifted from a first retracted position to a second expanded position wherein said plurality of gripping slips extends radially outward from said body section to engage against an inner surface of a casing string in said second set position;
- bb) at least one elastomeric packer element disposed on said body section, wherein said elastomeric packer element is configured to be selectively shifted from a first retracted position to a second expanded position wherein said at least one elastomeric packer element extends radially outward from said body section to engage and form a fluid pressure seal against the inner surface of said casing string in said second set position;
- iii) a retrievable bridge plug assembly configured to alternate between a first unset position and a second set position, said retrievable bridge plug comprising a second plurality of gripping slips operationally attached to said body section, wherein said second plurality of gripping slips are configured to be selectively shifted from a first retracted position to a second expanded position wherein said second plurality of gripping slips extends radially outward from said body section to engage against the inner surface of said casing string;
- iv) a fluid bypass flow path extending through said retrievable bridge plug assembly and said retrievable packer assembly, wherein said fluid bypass flow path is configured to be selectively closed;
- v) a J-slot configured to control operation of said plurality of gripping slips;
- vi) a Z-slot configured to control alternating of said fluid flow path from said open configuration to said closed configuration, wherein said J-slot and said Z-slot are configured to be actuated separately;
- b) conveying said modular multi-function downhole apparatus into a wellbore on a tubular workstring;
- c) selectively alternating said retrievable packer assembly from said first unset configuration to said second set configuration.
8 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.