US20150068728A1 - Downhole Tool Having Slip Composed of Composite Ring - Google Patents

Abstract

A single piece composite slip component is disclosed, making it easier and more feasible for milling up a composite plug after use. Moreover, because the composite slip component is one piece during deployment, and not in segments like conventional slip segments, it can better withstand the high speeds and higher fluid velocities and pressures downhole.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• This application claims the benefit of U.S. Prov. Appl. 61/877,113, filed 12 Sep. 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
• An oil or gas well includes a bore extending into a well to some depth below the surface. Typically, the bore is lined with tubulars or casing to strengthen the walls of the bore. To further strengthen the walls of the bore, the annular area formed between the casing and the bore is typically filled with cement to permanently set the casing in the bore. The casing is then perforated to allow production fluid to enter the bore and to be retrieved at the surface of the well.
• Typically, downhole tools with sealing elements are placed within the bore to isolate the production fluid or to manage production fluid flow through the well. For example, a plug or packer is placed within a bore to isolate upper and lower sections of production zones. Thus, by creating a pressure seal in the bore, these plugs allow pressurized fluids or solids to treat an isolated formation. These tools are usually constructed of cast iron, aluminum, or other alloyed metals, but have a malleable, synthetic element system. The plug or packer system can also be composed of non-metallic components made of composites, plastics, and elastomers.
• Slips are a part of these downhole tools, such as plugs and packers, and the slips can also be composed of metallic or non-metallic components. However, metallic slips can cause problems during mill-up operations of the downhole tools in horizontal wells. As one solution to these problems, slip segments composed of composite material can be held on a mandrel of a downhole tool, such as a plug. These composite slip segments are typically held together with bands on the tool's mandrel until actuated to engage the surrounding casing downhole. Additionally, the composite slips segments can have inserts or buttons that are composed of metallic materials (e.g., tungsten carbide or the like) that grip the inner wall of the surrounding casing or tubular. Examples of downhole tools with slip segments with inserts are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,976,534 and 8,047,279.
• FIG. 1A illustrates afracturing system10 having a composite plug according to the prior art disposed in a bore. As shown, thesystem10 can having at least one of thecomposite plugs100 disposed within thecasing12 lining the bore.Casing12, as known in the art, is used to further strengthen the walls of the bore, and therefore the area formed between thecasing12 and the bore is typically filled with cement to permanently set thecasing12 within the bore. Also as shown, thecasing12 is perforated15 to allow production fluid to enter thecasing12 so the produced fluids can be retrieved at the surface of the well. Thecasing12 is perforated15 information zones14 as shown. Theformation zones14 indicate zones where production fluid potentially exists. Accordingly, thecasing12 at thesezones14 is perforated15 in order to allow fluid to flow into thecasing12 and eventually to the surface.
• FIG. 1B illustrates acomposite plug100 of the prior art in more details. As shown, theplug100 has amandrel102. As known in the art, themandrel102 is designed with a cylindrical hole (i.e., bore) through the center to allow for pressure equalization and well flow back prior to milling up theplug100 after its use downhole. Also as shown, theplug100 has uphole and downhole slip assemblies104a-b, each havingslip segments110,inserts114, andbands112. Theplug100 also has uphole and downhole cones106a-b, a setting orpush ring105, and apacking element109, which will be discussed in detail below.
• Conventional composite slips104a-bincludemultiple slip segments110 disposed around themandrel102.Bands112 typically hold theslip segments110 in place, and thecomposite segments110 include one or moremetallic inserts114 in order to engage the casing (12).
• During operation, theslip segments110 move away from themandrel102 and compress theinserts114 against the surrounding casing (12) when theplug100 is compressed. Examples of the operation of conventional slip components of such aplug100 are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,124,831 which is incorporated within in its entirety.
• As mentioned, the conventional slip assemblies104a-bmay be composed of cast iron, aluminum, or other alloyed metals. However, in one problem associated with such metallic slip assemblies, it is often times less desirable to use such metallic components due to the mill-ability of the components. For example,plugs100 are sometimes intended to be temporary and must be removed to access the casing (12). Rather than de-actuating theplug100 and bringing it to the surface of the well, theplug100 is typically destroyed with a rotating milling or drilling device.
• As the mill contacts theplug100, theplug100 is “drilled up” or reduced to small pieces that are either washed out of the bore or simply left at the bottom of the bore. The more metal parts making up theplug100, the longer the milling operation takes. Furthermore, metallic components like aluminum also typically require numerous trips in and out of the bore to replace worn out mills or drill bits. Also, aluminum mandrels are typically composed of very expensive aerospace grade materials, and are thus not economically feasible for such use.
• In another problem, the conventional slip assemblies even if composed of composite materials are oftentimes difficult to manufacture. For example, the conventional slip assemblies104a-bare often manufactured as multiple,independent segments110. Then, theslip segments10 are positioned around themandrel102 of theplug100 and are held together withrestraining bands112 to keep thesegments110 against themandrel102 for deploying in thecasing110 until actuated. Although this form of manufacture may work, it is often time-consuming and involves a very complicated manufacturing and assembly process.
• Further, other problems associated with usingslip segments110 held byrestraining bands112 arise when thetool100 is deployed downhole. As is known in the art, downhole conditions vary, and high pressures and high fluid velocities may disengage or render unusable conventional slip assemblies104a-b. For example, during the deployment of theplug100, the fluid in the bore may have a high enough pressure and/or may have an increased velocity as it transitions past the slip assembly104a-bthat the slip assembly104a-bcan be damaged and disengage from themandrel102, despite being held together bybands112. That is, thebands112 may not be strong enough to hold thesegments110 together in certain downhole conditions.
• Accordingly, there is a need for a non-metallic slip component that will effectively handle the high temperatures and the high pressures downhole. There is also a need for a slip component that is easier and faster to manufacture, while remaining economically feasible. Finally, there is a need for a non-metallic slip assembly that can withstand the high speeds and fluid velocities during run in on a downhole tool through casing.
• The subject matter of the present disclosure is directed to overcoming, or at least reducing the effects of, one or more of the problems set forth above.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
• Conventional slip components of downhole tools are typically composed of cast iron, aluminum, or other alloyed metals. However, the more metal parts making up the plug (i.e., slip components) the longer the milling operation takes. Also, metallic components like aluminum also typically require numerous trips in and out of the bore to replace worn out mills or drill bits and are typically composed of very expensive aerospace grade materials, and are thus not economically feasible for such use. Therefore, a single piece composite slip component is disclosed, making it easier and more feasible for milling up a plug after use. Moreover, because the composite slip component is one piece during deployment, and not in segments like conventional slip segments, it can better withstand the high speeds and higher fluid velocities and pressures downhole. This is important aspect when pumping down extended reach horizontals.
• A downhole apparatus have a mandrel with a cone disposed thereon. In general, the apparatus can be a plug, a packer, a liner hanger, an anchoring device, or a downhole tool.
• The single piece composite slip component is disposed on the mandrel and has a cylindrical body with first and second surfaces and first and second ends. The cylindrical body is disposed with the first surface about the mandrel and with the first end adjacent a cone on the mandrel of the downhole tool. In one arrangement, the cylindrical body defines only a single slit extending partially from the first end toward the second end. In another arrangement, the cylindrical body defines only two slits extending partially from the first end toward the second end. These two slits can be disposed on radially opposite sides of the cylindrical body.
• The cylindrical body is radially expandable outward from the mandrel through interaction of the first end with the cone, and one or more inserts disposed on the cylindrical body and exposed at the second surface engage in the surrounding tubular wall of casing or the like.
• When interacting the first end of the cylindrical body with the cone, the cylindrical body expands radially outward from the tool with the interaction as at least one and not more than two arcuate members by separating the cylindrical body along the one and not more than two slits extending partially from the first end toward a second end of the cylindrical body. The one or more inserts on the cylindrical body engage against the adjacent surface. Load is transmitted from the cone to the cylindrical body, and the load is transmitted from the cylindrical body to the one or more inserts.
• To interact with the cone, the first surface can define an incline at the first end. The single or two slits extend a greater distance along the second surface than along the first surface of the cylindrical body. The cylindrical body at the second end can have an interconnection at the slit so that the interconnection can hinge one side of the single slit with an opposite of the single slit. The interconnection can define a triangular cross-section.
• A packing element can be disposed on the mandrel, and the cone and the single piece composite slip component can be disposed on an uphole end of the mandrel adjacent the packing element. A second slip can also be disposed on a downhole end of the mandrel adjacent an opposite side of the packing element. This second slip can include a plurality of independent segments disposed about the mandrel.
• The foregoing summary is not intended to summarize each potential embodiment or every aspect of the present disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1A illustrates a plug disposed in a bore according to the prior art.
• FIG. 1B illustrates a plug of the prior art.
• FIG. 2A illustrates an elevational view a plug having a composite slip component according to the present disclosure.
• FIG. 2B illustrates an elevational view of another side of the plug offset 90-degrees fromFIG. 2A.
• FIG. 2C illustrates a detailed view of the disclosed slip component on the plug.
• FIGS. 3A-3C illustrates an end view, a cross-sectional view, and a perspective view of the disclosed slip component.
• FIG. 3D is a detailed view of a hole for an insert of the disclosed slip.
• FIGS. 4A-4B schematically illustrates the disclosed slip component in different engagements with the surrounding casing during operation.
• FIG. 5 illustrates an elevational view of another plug having two composite slips according to the present disclosure.
• FIGS. 6A-6C illustrates an end view, a cross-sectional view, and a perspective view of another composite slip component according to the present disclosure.
• FIG. 6D schematically illustrates the disclosed slip component engaged with the surrounding casing during operation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
• FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate elevational views acomposite plug100 having acomposite slip component120 according to the present disclosure. The two views inFIGS. 2A-2B show sides of theplug100 at 90-degree offset from one another. As shown, theplug100 includes amandrel102 and sealing elements104a-b,106a-b,108a-b, and109. In general, theplug100 can be a bridge plug intended to contain pressure from above and below when setting in casing, or it can be a fracture plug intended mainly to contain pressure from above during a fracture operation.
• Disposed on themandrel102, theplug100 has uphole and downhole slip assemblies104a-b, cones106a-b, and backups108a-bwith apacking element109 disposed between them. Theuphole slip assemblies104aas shown includes thecomposite slip component120 according to the present disclosure, while the downhole assembly includes a conventional slipassembly having segments110 withinserts114 and held bybands112.
• As best shown in the detailed view ofFIG. 2C, theslip component120 has a cylindrical body or122 withinsert holes128 for holdinginserts130. As discussed in more detail below, thecomposite slip component120 has one ormore slits124 and interconnecting portions or hingingareas127. Preferably, thecylindrical body122 has only one or at most twoslits124 so that thecylindrical body122 forms a practically continuous ring or cylinder with only one or at most two arcuate portions divided by the slit(s)124.
• Regarding the disposition of theslip component120 and theconventional slip assembly104bat uphole and downhole ends of theplug100, the disclosedplug100 is not limited to this particular configuration. That is, theplug100 may comprisecomposite slip components120 on both uphole and downhole ends, or theplug100 may comprise aslip component120 at the downhole end, while having aconventional slip assembly104buphole. Accordingly, any other combination ofslip component120 with or withoutconventional slip assembly104bcan be used on theplug100.
• However, regardless of which is deployed uphole or downhole, it is desired to deploy a slip assembly having greater structural stability (e.g., the disclosed slip component120) at the uphole end of theplug100 and to deploy a slip assembly with increased strength at the downhole end of the plug. This is due in part to what theuphole assembly104amay encounter during run in at high speeds. Theuphole assembly104amay experience more adverse effects from fluid flow or friction during run in of theplug100 in the casing (12) which could damage a conventional slip assembly with segments. Because theslip component120 is a continuous cylindrical component, it is less prone to damage during run in.
• Choice of what type of assembly to use at the downhole end is also based on the operation of theplug100. For example, because the downhole slip assembly has to remain in place, braking and engaging the inner bore, while the uphole slip is compressed toward the downhole slip, the downhole slip assembly may experience certain pressures or effects that the uphole slip assembly may not experience. Thus, if the downhole slip assembly cannot withstand certain forces, the downhole slip assembly may disengage from the casing. As a result, theplug100 may fail during use. For these reasons, theuphole assembly104aof the present disclosure may use the disclosedslip component120, while thedownhole assembly104bmay use other types ofsegments110 and the like.
• In operation, the element system103 of theplug100 shown inFIGS. 2A-2B is compressed, and expands radially outward from theplug100 to sealingly engage a surrounding tubular or casing (not shown). To obtain this expansion, forces are exerted on thepush ring105. As theslip component120 moves down in relation todownhole slip assembly104b,thepacking element109 is compressed, and theslip component120 and slip assembly104bare driven up their adjacent cones106a-b. The movement of the cones106a-band theslip component120 andassembly104baxially compress and radially expand thepacking element109, thereby forcing thepacking element109 radially outward from theplug100 to contact the inner surface of the casing (12). In this manner, thecompressed packing element109 provides a fluid seal to prevent movement of fluids across theplug100.
• Further, as thepacking element109 expands to provide a fluid seal between theplug100 and the casing (12), theslip component120 andassembly104bmove along the surface of cones106a-b. As a result, theslip component120 andassembly104bwill expand outward with respect to theplug100, thereby being driven into the casing to holdplug100 in place.
• With particular reference to the offset views ofFIGS. 2B-2C, one of the at least one or twoslits124 of theslip component120 of theplug100 can be more easily shown. Here, theslit124 extends from the bottom of theslip component120 all the way to the top, where an interconnectingportion127 holds thecomponent120 together around themandrel102. Further, as can be seen inFIGS. 2A-2C, theslip component120 has acylindrical body122 that surrounds theplug100.
• Also, theslip component120 comprises insert holes128 that containinserts130 disposed within them. In this embodiment, theinserts130 may be disposed around thecylindrical body122 of theslip component120 in a variety of different ways. For example, theinserts130 can be disposed around thecylindrical body122 in a way that theinserts130 are separated by an equal space. Furthermore, theinserts130 may be aligned in rows, aligned diagonally alongcylindrical body122, or any other configuration. The purpose of the configuration of theinserts130 around thecylindrical body122 is to allow asmany inserts130 as possible to be disposed therein, while maintaining the structural soundness of the composite material.
• Theslip component122 is manufactured in a manner similar to the continuous fiber winding process described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,124,831, which is used for manufacturing plugs and is incorporated herein by reference. In general, the manufacturing process involves wet winding a continuous fiber around a temporary mandrel to form thecylindrical body122 of the slip component. The fiber is preferably wound in an overlapping lattice structure. The resin impregnated fiber is then heated, cured, and cooled so thecylindrical body122 can be removed from the temporary mandrel and machined. The outer and inner diameters of thecylindrical body122 may be machined to a certain size, tolerance, or smoothness. Also, any of thevarious slits124, holes128, and the like may be machined in thecylindrical body122. These and any other additional steps available in the art can be used so that slip component can be installed on themandrel102 of theplug100 with other components for future deployment in the harsh environment downhole.
• As show inFIGS. 2A-2C, theholes128 for theinserts130 may be arranged in a staggered pattern intended to maintain the overall strength of the component's material. Thus, any fibers in the winding making up thebody122 of thecomponent122 that have been cut to form one of theholes128 may be cut elsewhere on thebody122 to form another of theholes128. In this way, a number of fiber windings will remain intact around thebody122 and maintain the body's overall strength.
• As can be seen inFIG. 2C, the insert holes128 are not necessarily disposed parallel to the surface of theslip component120 itself, although they can be. As will be described in detail later, theinserts130 are preferably disposed within or through thecylindrical body122 of theslip component120 at an angle. This angle allows the inserts to more thoroughly engage the bore casing (12) in a way that will allow theinserts130 to provide the most stability for theslip component120, and consequently thebridge plug100 itself, after theplug100 has been engaged and has formed a seal within the casing (12).
• With an understanding of theplug100 and the disclosed slip component, discussion turns to further details of theslip component120.FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate an end view, a cross-sectional view, and a perspective view of the disclosedslip component120. With respect toFIG. 3A, the end view of theslip component120 shows thecylindrical body122 of theslip component120. As shown, there are numerous insert holes128 having theinserts130 disposed within them. Furthermore,FIG. 3A shows how theslip component120 has at least twoslits124 disposed on opposite sides of thecylindrical component120. Consistent within the present disclosure, there can be at least one or twoslits124 disposed around thecylindrical body122. More slits are not preferred, but may be used if desired.
• FIG. 3B shows a cross-sectional view of theslip component120. As best shown in this view, theslip component120 contains aramp126 on theinside surface121 at one end of thecylindrical body122. Also, thebody122 has twoslits124 and interconnectingportions127. Theramp126 serves the purpose of easing the transition of theslip component120 over the cones (i.e., theramp126 allows theslip component122 to be more easily transitioned over the outer surface of cones106a-bon theplug100 ofFIGS. 2A-2C).
• Furthermore, when theslip component120 is compressed over its adjacent cone (106a), theslip component120 will separate along theslits127 and will fracture, break, or tear along the interconnectingportions127, creating slip element halves (125a-b) that allow theslip component120 to expand more efficiently over the conical surface (107a) of the cone (106a). Due to the material makeup of the slip component120 (i.e., continuous fiber winding as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,124,831), when theslip component120 is pushed over the cone (106a), theslip component120 flexes and conforms to the larger radius of the casing (12), while the inserts (130) penetrate the casing (12) and anchor theslip component120 in place.
• Also, since theslip component120 is one piece during running in the hole, and does not comprise independent segments like a conventional slip assembly of the prior art held together by bands, theslip component120 can better withstand the high speeds and higher fluid velocities encountered during run in theplug100. In this regard, allowing theslip component120 to expand more efficiently over its cone (106a) will allow the slip component halves (125a-b) to more succinctly engage the casing (12). In turn, allowing theslip component120 to more succinctly engage the casing (12) will allow the inserts (130) to engage the inner surface of the casing (12) and provide an anchor for theplug100.
• FIG. 3C shows a perspective view of theslip component120. In this view, theslip component120 has thecylindrical body122, the one ormore slits124, and one or more insert holes128. As can be shown in this embodiment, theslits124 extend from the bottom of theslip component120 to the top of theslip component120. However, rather than completely separating thecylindrical body122, theslits124 preferably stop at the interconnectingportions127 of theslip component120. However, theslip component120 is not limited to the one ormore slits124 of theslip component120 having asingle interconnecting portion127. Theslip component120 may further comprise more than one interconnectingportion127. For example, an interconnectingportion127 may be disposed at each end of the one ormore slits124, forming slot-like formations within theslip component120. Therefore, theslip component120 may comprise an interconnectingportion127 at the top of aslit124 and at the bottom of theslit124, having the opening for theslit124 disposed between the two interconnectingportions127.
• Further, theslit elements124 can extend from either end of theslip component120, and/or extend thru the inner cylindrical surface (121) with an axial cut that does not penetrate to the outer surface of theslip component120.
• Further, in this view, the insert holes128 are shown disposed throughout the outer surface of theslip component120. Moreover, although this embodiment only shows two slitelements124, there may be oneslit124 or more slits disposed around the circumference of theslip component120.
• Theslits124 are formed to control breakage of theslip component120 during expansion. Therefore, the depth, the length, the width, and any other characteristics of theslits124 can be varied depending on the strength of the composite material used, the expected forces encountered during expansion, and other factors. As shown here, theslits124 are formed on opposite sides of thecylindrical body122 and extend from a distal end to almost a proximal end of thecomponent120 adjacent thepush ring105. Theslits124 are defined completely through the thickness of thecylindrical body122, although this may not be strictly necessary. Additionally, more of theslit124 may be formed on the outside of thebody122 than the inside so that the interconnectingportions127 have a triangular cross-section as shown inFIG. 3B. The interconnectingportions127 may have many different shapes, but preferably has a similar triangular cross-sectional area). Overall, theslits124 in this arrangement may be configured to control breakage at about 3,000 to 5,000 lbs.
• FIG. 3D is a detailed view of one of the insert holes128 of the disclosedslip component120. As shown, theinsert hole128 is disposed within the outer surface of theslip component120 at a depth D. As described above, the depth D may extend all the way through the outer surface of theslip component120, or may only extend partially through theslip component120.
• Also, theinsert hole128 may be disposed within the outer surface of theslip component120 at an angle θ. The purpose of disposinginserts130 at an angle θ is so that when theplug100 is activated and theslip component120 is expanded outward and fractured into halves (125a-b) contacting the casing (12) of the bore, theinserts130 within the slip component halves (125a-b) will engage the casing (12) at an angle to ensure maximum stability of theplug100 as it is sealed within the casing (12).
• FIGS. 4A-4B schematically illustrate the disclosedslip component120 in different engagements with the surroundingcasing12 during operation. Depending on the number ofslits124 and the arrangement of theslits124 within theslip component120, there may be many different ways that theslip component120, or slip component halves (125a-b) may engage thecasing12.
• Referring first toFIG. 4A, theslip component120 is disposed withincasing12. This end view of thecasing12 shows an example of how theslip component120 engages thecasing12 after theslip component120 has been compressed over the conical surface of its adjacent cone (e.g.,106a). As shown, when theslip component120 is compressed over the conical surface of the cone (106a), the outer surface of each slip component halve125a-bwill engage thecasing12, causinginserts130 to engage thecasing12.
• As previously described, this engagement of theinserts130 within thecasing12 provides stability for theplug100 while in the bore. Further, as can be seen inFIG. 4A, it is possible that the slip component halves125a-bmay not fully engage thecasing12. However,FIG. 4A shows that even if the slip component halves125a-bdo not fully engage the casing (12), the majority of theinserts130 will still engage thecasing12. However, there may be many different variations of the engagement of theslip component120inserts130 with thecasing12.
• Referring toFIG. 4B, the slip component halves125a-bhave fully engaged thecasing12 after theslip component120 has been compressed over itsadjacent cone106a.In this example, each of theinserts130 have fully engaged the inner surface of thecasing12 in order to provide a flush connection with thecasing12. As further shown inFIG. 4B, theslip component120 is fully fractured and expanded in order to provide adequate separation in order for the slip component halves125a-bto fully engage thecasing12. Again, as described above, after theslip component120 has shifted over the conical surface (107a) of the adjacent cone (106a), theslip component120 will fracture or separate at theslits124.
• In the previous embodiment, only theuphole assembly104aon theplug100 included the disclosedslip component120. This is not strictly necessary as will be appreciated herein. For example,FIG. 5 illustrates an elevational view of anotherplug100 having twocomposite slip components120 according to the present disclosure. As before, theplug100 includes amandrel102 with thecomposite slip components120 of the present disclosure disposed thereon. In this embodiment, theslip components120 are disposed both at the upper end ofplug100 and at the lower end. In this embodiment, each of theslip components120a-balso haveslits124 on either side. Also, theslip components120a-bhaveinsert holes128 disposed around the surface as well asinserts130 disposed within theseholes128.
• In operation, thecomposite slip components120a-bwill shift over the conical surfaces107a-bof the adjacent cones106a-buntil theslip components120a-bexpand, fracture, and fully engage the casing (12). Further as shown inFIG. 5, the conical surfaces107a-bmay have either a smooth conical surface (e.g., as shown bysurface107a) or may a series of flat surface (e.g., as shown bycone107b). Either way, conical surfaces107a-bserve similar purposes, i.e., to allow theslip components120a-bto transition smoothly, expand, fracture, and engage the inner surface of thecasing12. Furthermore, as previously described, whenplug100 is actuated, thepacking element109 will expand and create a pressure seal within thecasing12.
• In previous embodiments, theslip component120 includes at least twoslits124, although other configurations are possible. For example,FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate an end view, a cross-sectional view, and a perspective view of anothercomposite slip component120 according to the present disclosure. As described above, theslip component120 has acylindrical body122 with multiple insert holes128 defined within its outer surface on a portion of its innercylindrical surface121. In this embodiment, it can be seen thatslip component120 only has oneslit124.
• FIG. 6B shows a cross-sectional view of theslip component120. As shown in this view, theslip component120 includes theramp126 on the innercylindrical surface121. Functionality, theramp126 provides theslip component120 an easier transition over the cones (106a-b) of plug (100). Further,FIG. 6B shows that theslip component120 contains the insert holes128 within the outer surface. The insert holes128 can be disposed throughout the surface of theslip component120 in a variety of different arrangements, depths, and or angles. Also, as described above, the insert holes128 can have inserts (130) disposed within.
• In reference toFIG. 6D, theslip component120 is shown expanded within thecasing12, and has fully engaged the inner surface of thecasing12. In this embodiment, the oneslit124 on thecylindrical body122 has fractured, allowing theslip component120 to completely expand within thecasing12. As previously described, this is the result of theslip component120 being compressed over the adjacent cone (106a-b) ofplug100. As seen, the outer cylindrical surface of thebody122 has fully engaged thecasing12, and each of theinserts130 have been disposed against thecasing12.
• The foregoing description of preferred and other embodiments is not intended to limit or restrict the scope or applicability of the inventive concepts conceived of by the Applicants. It will be appreciated with the benefit of the present disclosure that features described above in accordance with any embodiment or aspect of the disclosed subject matter can be utilized, either alone or in combination, with any other described feature, in any other embodiment or aspect of the disclosed subject matter.
• In exchange for disclosing the inventive concepts contained herein, the Applicants desire all patent rights afforded by the appended claims. Therefore, it is intended that the appended claims include all modifications and alterations to the full extent that they come within the scope of the following claims or the equivalents thereof.

Claims (20)

What is claimed is:

1. A downhole apparatus, comprising:

a mandrel;

a cone disposed on the mandrel;

a first slip having a cylindrical body with first and second surfaces and first and second ends, the cylindrical body disposed with the first surface about the mandrel and with the first end adjacent the cone, the cylindrical body defining only a single slit extending partially from the first end toward the second end, the cylindrical body radially expandable outward from the mandrel through interaction of the first end with the cone; and

one or more inserts disposed on the cylindrical body and exposed at the second surface.

2. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the first surface defines an incline at the first end.

3. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the single slit extends a greater distance along the second surface than along the first surface of the cylindrical body.

4. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the cylindrical body at the second end comprises an interconnection at the single slit, the interconnection hinging one side of the single slit with an opposite of the single slit.

5. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the interconnection defines a triangular cross-section.

6. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises a plug, a packer, a liner hanger, an anchoring device, or a downhole tool.

7. The apparatus ofclaim 1, comprising a packing element disposed on the mandrel, wherein the cone and the first slip are disposed on an uphole end of the mandrel adjacent the packing element.

8. The apparatus ofclaim 7, comprising a second slip disposed on a downhole end of the mandrel adjacent an opposite side of the packing element.

9. The apparatus ofclaim 8, wherein the second slip comprises a plurality of independent segments disposed about the mandrel.

10. A downhole apparatus, comprising:

a mandrel;

a cone disposed on the mandrel;

a cylindrical body having first and second surfaces and having first and second ends, the cylindrical body disposed with the first surface about the mandrel and with the first end adjacent the cone, the cylindrical body defining only two slits extending partially from the first end toward the second end, the cylindrical body radially expandable outward from the mandrel through interaction of the first end with the cone; and

one or more inserts disposed on the cylindrical body and exposed at the second surface.

11. The apparatus ofclaim 10, wherein the first surface defines an incline at the first end.

12. The apparatus ofclaim 10, wherein each of the two slit extends a greater distance along the second surface than along the first surface of the cylindrical body.

13. The apparatus ofclaim 10, wherein the cylindrical body at the second end comprises interconnections at each of the two slits, the interconnections hinging one side of the each slit with an opposite of the each slit.

14. The apparatus ofclaim 10, wherein each of the interconnections defines a triangular cross-section.

15. The apparatus ofclaim 10, wherein the apparatus comprises a plug, a packer, a liner hanger, an anchoring device, or a downhole tool.

16. The apparatus ofclaim 10, comprising a packing element disposed on the mandrel, wherein the cone and the first slip are disposed on an uphole end of the mandrel adjacent the packing element.

17. The apparatus ofclaim 10, comprising a second slip disposed on a downhole end of the mandrel adjacent an opposite side of the packing element.

18. The apparatus ofclaim 17, wherein the second slip comprises a plurality of independent segments disposed about the mandrel.

19. The apparatus ofclaim 10, wherein the only two slits are disposed on radially opposite sides of the cylindrical body.

20. A method of setting a downhole tool against an adjacent surface, the method comprising:

interacting a first end of a cylindrical body with a surface of the tool;

expanding the cylindrical body radially outward from the tool with the interaction as at least one and not more than two arcuate members by separating the cylindrical body along at least one and not more than two slits extending partially from the first end toward a second end of the cylindrical body;

engaging one or more inserts on the cylindrical body against the adjacent surface;

transmitting load from the surface to the cylindrical body; and

transmitting the load from the cylindrical body to the one or more inserts.

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