IP Library Granted Patent US 9,163,477
Granted Patent B2
US 9,163,477 · App. 13/488,890 · Granted Oct 20, 2015

Configurable downhole tools and methods for using same

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 9,163,477
App. No.
13/488,890
Granted
Oct 20, 2015
Kind
B2
Abstract

An insert for a downhole plug for use in a wellbore. The insert can include a body having a bore formed at least partially therethrough. One or more threads can be disposed on an outer surface of the body and adapted to threadably engage an inner surface of the plug proximate a first end of the plug. One or more shearable threads can be disposed on an inner surface of the body. The one or more shearable threads can be adapted to threadably engage a setting tool that enters the plug through the first end thereof and to deform to release the setting tool when exposed to a predetermined force that is less than a force required to deform the one or more threads disposed on the outer surface of the body. At least one impediment can be disposed within the body.

Claims (25)

1. A plug for isolating a wellbore, comprising:

a body having a first end and a second end;

at least one malleable element about the body;

at least one slip about the body;

at least one conical member about the body; and

an insert disposed entirely within the body and screwed into an inner surface of the body below the first end of the body and above the at least one malleable element, wherein the insert has a bore formed at least partially therethrough and comprises:

one or more threads on an outer surface thereof and adapted to threadably engage the inner surface of the body proximate the first end of the body; and

one or more shearable threads on an inner surface of the bore, wherein the one or more shearable threads are adapted to threadably engage a setting tool that enters the body through the first end of the plug and to deform to release the setting tool when exposed to a predetermined force that is less than a force required to deform the one or more threads on the outer surface of the insert.

2. The plug of claim 1 , wherein the inner surface of the insert comprises a first diameter that transitions to a second diameter to form a shoulder within the bore.

3. The plug of claim 2 , further comprising one or more impediments within the bore and adapted to contact the shoulder to prevent a flow of fluid through the bore in at least one direction.

4. The plug of claim 3 , wherein the impediment is decomposable at a predetermined temperature, pressure, pH, or a combination thereof.

5. The plug of claim 3 , wherein the impediment is a ball.

6. The plug of claim 5 , further comprising a pin coupled to the insert and adapted to restrict movement of the ball within the bore.

7. The plug of claim 5 , further comprising:

a ball stop coupled to the insert; and

a tension member coupled to the ball stop and adapted to urge the ball to seal against the shoulder.

8. The plug of claim 1 , further comprising a flapper valve coupled to the inner surface of the insert and adapted to prevent a flow of fluid through the bore in at least one direction.

9. The plug of claim 1 , wherein the insert is between the first end of the body and the at least one slip, and the at least one conical member.

10. The plug of claim 1 , wherein the setting tool comprises an adapter rod, an outer cylinder, or both.

11. The plug of claim 1 , wherein the body is made of a composite material.

12. The plug of claim 11 , wherein the composite material comprises one or more wound layers.

13. The plug of claim 1 , further comprising at least one anti-rotation feature disposed proximate the first and second ends of the body.

14. The plug of claim 1 , further comprising at least one circumferential groove on the outer surface of the insert, wherein the at least one circumferential groove is adapted to retain an elastomeric seal.

15. The plug of claim 14 , wherein the insert has an insert first end and an insert second end, wherein the threads on the outer surface of the insert and the shearable threads on the inner surface of the insert are between the insert first end and an end of the bore, and wherein the at least one circumferential groove is between the insert second end and the end of the bore.

16. The plug of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the threads on the outer surface of the insert is axially adjacent to at least one of the shearable threads on the inner surface of the insert with respect to a central longitudinal axis through the insert.

Assignments (6)
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Mar 20, 2026
From: U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
To: NINE ENERGY SERVICE, INC.; NINE DOWNHOLE TECHNOLOGIES, LLC; MAGNUM OIL TOOLS INTERNATIONAL, LTD.
Reel/Frame 075264/0159 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded May 2, 2025
From: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.
To: NINE ENERGY SERVICE, INC.; NINE DOWNHOLE TECHNOLOGIES, LLC; MAGNUM OIL TOOLS INTERNATIONAL LTD.
Reel/Frame 071155/0559 →
PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT (NOTES) Recorded Jan 30, 2023
From: NINE ENERGY SERVICE, INC.; NINE DOWNHOLE TECHNOLOGIES, LLC; MAGNUM OIL TOOLS INTERNATIONAL, LTD.
To: U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 062545/0970 →
PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT (ABL) Recorded Jan 30, 2023
From: NINE ENERGY SERVICE, INC.; NINE DOWNHOLE TECHNOLOGIES, LLC; MAGNUM OIL TOOLS INTERNATIONAL, LTD.
To: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
Reel/Frame 062546/0076 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Nov 4, 2021
From: MAGNUM OIL TOOLS INTERNATIONAL, LTD.
To: NINE DOWNHOLE TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
Reel/Frame 058025/0914 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded May 4, 2017
From: FRAZIER, W. LYNN; FRAZIER, GARRETT; FRAZIER, DERRICK; MAGNUM OIL TOOLS INTERNATIONAL, L.L.C.; FRAZIER TECHNOLOGIES, L.L.C.; MAGNUM OIL TOOLS, L.P.
To: MAGNUM OIL TOOLS INTERNATIONAL LTD.
Reel/Frame 042402/0450 →