US 7,350,578 B2 · Diverter plugs for use in well bores and associated methods of use

Abstract

Zonal isolation of well bores is often desirable for performing downhole operations such as stimulation operations. In certain embodiments, diverter plugs for achieving zonal isolation in a casing string in a well bore may comprise a mandrel having a first end and a second end; a compressible body attached to and surrounding a longitudinal portion of the mandrel; and a sealing nose attached to the first end of the mandrel. In certain embodiments, systems for achieving zonal isolation of a casing string in a well bore may comprise a diverter plug comprising a mandrel having a first end and a second end, a compressible body attached to and surrounding a longitudinal portion of the mandrel, and a sealing nose attached to the first end of the mandrel; and a landing collar sized to mate with a portion of the sealing nose of the diverter plug. Associated methods are also provided.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A method of providing zonal isolation of a well bore comprising:

providing a recoverable diverter plug, the recoverable diverter plug comprising a mandrel having a first end and a second end, a compressible body attached to and surrounding a longitudinal portion of the mandrel, and a sealing nose attached to the first end of the mandrel;
providing a casing string in a well bore;
providing a landing collar attached to a portion of the casing string, the landing collar having a seating profile capable of mating with the sealing nose of the recoverable diverter plug;
introducing the recoverable diverter plug into the casing string;
and
displacing the recoverable diverter plug down the casing string with a fluid so as to allow the sealing nose of the recoverable diverter plug to contact a portion of the landing collar so as to form a sealing surface and provide zonal isolation.

3 more elements

A method of performing a multiple fracturing operation comprising:

providing a casing string in a well bore that penetrates a subterranean formation;
providing a diverter plug, the diverter plug comprising a mandrel having a first end and a second end, a compressible body attached to and surrounding a longitudinal portion of the mandrel, and a sealing nose attached to the first end of the mandrel, providing a casing string in a well bore;
providing a landing collar in a portion of the casing string, the landing collar having a seating profile capable of mating with the sealing nose of the diverter plug;
perforating the casing string below the landing collar to form lower perforations;
introducing a first stimulation fluid into the casing string;
stimulating a portion of the subterranean formation via the lower perforations;
perforating the casing string above the landing collar to form upper perforations;
introducing the diverter plug into the casing string;
displacing the diverter plug down the casing string with a fluid so as to allow the sealing nose of the diverter plug to contact a portion of the landing collar so as to form a sealing surface and provide zonal isolation;
introducing a second stimulation fluid into the casing string;
and
stimulating a portion of the subterranean formation via the upper perforations.

9 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Diverter plugs for use in well bores and associated methods of use

Life of this patent

Diverter plugs for use in well bores and associated methods of use

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20