US 2024/0240534 A1 · Expandable Retrievable Plug and Methods of Use

Abstract

An expandable, retrievable plug includes a base, a plurality of arm bars pivotably attached to the base and movable between stowed and extended configurations, and a set of expandable blades operatively coupled to and angularly interposing each pair of angularly adjacent arm bars such that, as the plurality of arm bars move to the extended configuration, each set of expandable blades transitions from a stacked state to a fanned state. An inflatable element is attached to the base and is engageable with the plurality of arm bars, and an expandable seal is mounted to the plurality of arm bars and each set of expandable blades. Selectively inflating the inflatable element transitions the plurality of arm bars from the stowed configuration to the extended configuration, which transitions each set of expandable blades from the stacked state to the fanned state, and simultaneously radially expands the expandable seal.

Claims15

Dependent claims

An expandable, retrievable plug comprising,

a base;
a plurality of arm bars pivotably attached to the base and movable between stowed and extended configurations;
a set of expandable blades operatively coupled to and angularly interposing each pair of angularly adjacent arm bars such that, as the plurality of arm bars move to the extended configuration, each set of expandable blades transitions from a stacked state to a fanned state;
an inflatable element attached to the base and engageable with the plurality of arm bars;
and
an expandable seal mounted to the plurality of arm bars and each set of expandable blades,
wherein selectively inflating the inflatable element transitions the plurality of arm bars from the stowed configuration to the extended configuration, which transitions each set of expandable blades from the stacked state to the fanned state, and simultaneously radially expands the expandable seal.

4 more elements

A method, comprising,

conveying a plug into a wellbore on a conveyance, the plug including:
a base;
a plurality of arm bars pivotably attached to the base;
a set of expandable blades operatively coupled to and angularly interposing each pair of angularly adjacent arm bars of the plurality of arm bars;
an inflatable element attached to the base and engageable with the plurality of arm bars;
and
an expandable seal mounted to the plurality of arm bars and each set of expandable blades,
inflating the inflatable element and thereby urging the plurality of arm bars to move from a stowed configuration toward an extended configuration;
transitioning each set of expandable blades from a stacked state to a fanned state as the plurality of arm bars move to the extended configuration;
radially expanding the expandable seal as the plurality of arm bars move to the extended configuration and each set of expandable blades transitions to the fanned state;
and
sealingly engaging an inner wall of the wellbore with the expandable seal as the expandable seal radially expands.

9 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Expandable Retrievable Plug and Methods of Use

Life of this patent

Expandable Retrievable Plug and Methods of Use

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims15