US 2022/0034190 A1 · Backup Rings For Downhole Bridge Plug Sealing Element Systems

Abstract

Backup rings for a sealing element system for a downhole bridge plug assembly may include a circumferentially-expandable backup ring body having an engaging ring surface. A beveled ring surface may extend from the engaging ring surface. An interior ring surface may extend from the beveled ring surface to the engaging ring surface. A ring opening may be formed by the beveled ring surface. A plurality of spiral ring slots may extend through the backup ring body from the engaging ring surface to the beveled ring surface. A plurality of expandable ring portions may extend between the plurality of spiral ring slots. An at least partially circumferentially-expanding ring sleeve may extend from the backup ring body. In some embodiments, an outer width or diameter of the ring sleeve may correspond to an outer width or diameter of the backup ring body. The ring sleeve may include a ring sleeve wall extending from the interior ring surface of the backup ring body. A sleeve interior may be formed by the ring sleeve wall. A plurality of sleeve slots may extend through the ring sleeve wall. The plurality of sleeve slots may communicate with the plurality of spiral ring slots, respectively, in the backup ring body. A plurality of expandable sleeve portions may extend between the plurality of sleeve slots. The plurality of expandable sleeve portions may extend from the plurality of expandable ring portions of the backup ring body.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A backup ring for a sealing element system for a downhole bridge plug assembly, comprising:

a circumferentially-expandable backup ring body including:
an engaging ring surface;
a beveled ring surface extending from the engaging ring surface;
an interior ring surface extending from the beveled ring surface;
a ring opening formed between the beveled ring surface and the interior ring surface;
a plurality of spiral ring slots extending through the backup ring body from the engaging ring surface to the beveled ring surface;
and
a plurality of expandable ring portions between the plurality of spiral ring slots;
and
an at least partially circumferentially-expanding ring sleeve extending from the backup ring body, an outer width or diameter of the ring sleeve corresponding to an outer width or diameter of the backup ring body, the ring sleeve including:
a ring sleeve wall extending from the interior ring surface of the backup ring body;
a sleeve interior formed by the ring sleeve wall;
a plurality of sleeve slots extending through the ring sleeve wall, the plurality of sleeve slots communicating with the plurality of spiral ring slots, respectively, in the backup ring body;
and
a plurality of expandable sleeve portions between the plurality of sleeve slots, the plurality of expandable sleeve portions extending from the plurality of expandable ring portions, respectively, of the backup ring body.

12 more elements

A backup ring for a sealing element system for a downhole bridge plug assembly, comprising:

an annular, circumferentially-expandable backup ring body including:
an engaging ring surface;
a ring edge surface extending from the engaging ring surface;
a beveled ring surface extending from the ring edge surface;
an interior ring surface;
an interior ring edge joining the interior ring surface to the beveled ring surface;
a ring opening formed by the interior ring edge, the beveled ring surface angling inwardly toward a center of the ring opening from the ring edge surface to the interior ring surface;
a plurality of spiral ring slots extending through the backup ring body from the engaging ring surface to the beveled ring surface;
and
a plurality of expandable ring portions between the plurality of spiral ring slots;
and
an at least partially circumferentially-expanding ring sleeve extending from the backup ring body, an outer width or diameter of the ring sleeve corresponding to an outer width or diameter of the backup ring body, the ring sleeve including:
a ring sleeve wall extending from the interior ring surface of the backup ring body;
a sleeve interior formed by the ring sleeve wall;
a plurality of sleeve slots extending through the ring sleeve wall, the plurality of sleeve slots communicating with the plurality of spiral ring slots, respectively, in the backup ring body;
and
a plurality of expandable sleeve portions between the plurality of sleeve slots, the plurality of expandable sleeve portions extending from the plurality of expandable ring portions, respectively, of the backup ring body.

14 more elements

A backup ring for a sealing element system for a downhole bridge plug assembly, comprising:

an annular, circumferentially-expandable backup ring body including:
an engaging ring surface;
a ring edge surface extending from the engaging ring surface;
a beveled ring surface extending from the ring edge surface;
an interior ring surface extending parallel to the ring edge surface;
an interior ring edge joining the interior ring surface to the beveled ring surface;
a ring opening formed by the interior ring edge, the beveled ring surface angling inwardly toward a center of the ring opening from the ring edge surface to the interior ring surface;
a plurality of spiral ring slots extending through the backup ring body from the engaging ring surface to the beveled ring surface;
and
a plurality of expandable ring portions between the plurality of spiral ring slots;
and
an at least partially circumferentially-expanding ring sleeve extending from the backup ring body, an outer width or diameter of the ring sleeve corresponding to an outer width or diameter of the backup ring body, the ring sleeve including:
an elongated, cylindrical ring sleeve wall extending from the interior ring surface of the backup ring body;
a sleeve edge terminating the ring sleeve wall opposite the backup ring body;
a sleeve interior formed by the ring sleeve wall;
a plurality of sleeve slots extending in parallel, spaced-apart relationship to each other through the ring sleeve wall and terminating in spaced-apart relationship to the sleeve edge of the ring sleeve wall, the plurality of sleeve slots communicating with the plurality of spiral ring slots, respectively, in the backup ring body;
and
a plurality of expandable sleeve portions between the plurality of sleeve slots, the plurality of expandable sleeve portions extending from the plurality of expandable ring portions, respectively, of the backup ring body.

15 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Backup Rings For Downhole Bridge Plug Sealing Element Systems

Life of this patent

Backup Rings For Downhole Bridge Plug Sealing Element Systems

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20