(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2007/0151722 A1
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Jul. 5, 2007
`Lehr et al.
`
`US 2007015 1 722Al
`
`(54) DEFORMABLE RELEASE DEVICE FOR USE
`WITH DOWNHOLE TOOLS
`
`Publication Classi?cation
`
`(76) Inventors: Douglas J. Lehr, The Woodlands, TX
`(US); Gabriel A. Slup, Spring, TX
`(US); James Van Lue, Tomball, TX
`(Us)
`Correspondence Address:
`HOWREY LLP
`C/O IP DOCKETING DEPARTMENT
`2941 FAIRVIEW PARK DRIVE, SUITE 200
`FALLS CHURCH, VA 22042-7195 (US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`11/644,443
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Dec. 22, 2006
`
`Related US. Application Data
`
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/755,358, ?led on Dec.
`30, 2005.
`
`(51) Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`E21B 33/129
`(52) US. Cl. ......................... ..166/123; 166/181; 166/387
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A deformable release device is disclosed to be used With
`doWnhole setting tools. The deformable release device may
`provide a releasable detachment to any customary setting
`tool, such as electric line, hydraulic, hydrostatic, and
`mechanical setting tools, used to set a doWnhole packer-type
`device. The deformable release device alloWs for the auto
`matic release of doWnhole setting tools at the application a
`predetermined force, similar to a shear pin or shear stud.
`HoWever, since the deformable release device deforms
`rather than shears or breaks, the releasing device minimizes
`the debris or remnants of the device left in the Wellbore.
`
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`Patent Application Publication Jul. 5, 2007 Sheet 5 0f 7
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`MEGCO Ex. 1006
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`Patent Application Publication Jul. 5, 2007 Sheet 6 0f 7
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`Patent Application Publication Jul. 5, 2007 Sheet 7 0f 7
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`US 2007/0151722 A1
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`FIG.9G
`
`MEGCO Ex. 1006
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`

`

`US 2007/0151722 A1
`
`Jul. 5, 2007
`
`DEFORMABLE RELEASE DEVICE FOR USE
`WITH DOWNHOLE TOOLS
`
`CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATION
`
`[0001] This application is a Non-provisional application
`claiming bene?t of US. Provisional Application Ser. No.
`60/755,358, entitled, “Deformable Release Device for Use
`With DoWnhole Tools,” by Douglas J. Lehr, Gabriel A. Slup,
`and James Van Lue, ?led Dec. 30, 2005, hereby incorporated
`by reference in its entirety herein.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
`
`[0003] The present invention relates generally to a release
`device that may be used With doWnhole setting tools. Spe
`ci?cally, the release device of the present disclosure deforms
`to provide a releasable detachment mechanism for a setting
`tool used to set a doWnhole tool, such as a Python Frac Plug
`from B] Services Company of Houston, Tex. A deformable
`release device may provide a releasable detachment to any
`customary setting tool used to set a doWnhole packer-type
`device, for example. As Would be appreciated by one of
`ordinary skill in the art having the bene?t of this disclosure,
`customary setting tools include electric line, hydraulic,
`hydrostatic, and mechanical setting tools or other setting
`tool designs that use a combination of these methods for
`actuating a packer-type device in a subterranean Well.
`
`[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
`[0005] Many types, siZes, brands and models of packer
`devices are used to isolate a portion of a Well bore. Each type
`of packer is run into the Wellbore and then set. Typically a
`setting tool is used to run and set the packer. A number of
`different setting tools used to run and set a packer are
`available, but typically the loWer end of the setting tool has
`different dimensions than the packer. Thus, regardless of the
`type of packer and setting tool used, an “adapter kit” is used
`to adapt the setting tool to the packer. The adapter kit also
`enables the detachment of the setting tool from the packer
`once the packer is set in the Wellbore. Hence adapter kits are
`intermediate devices, inserted betWeen the setting tool and
`the packer, Which adapt the connection betWeen the setting
`tool and the packer and alloW for the detachment of the tWo
`after the packer is set.
`
`[0006] Many different methods can be used to convey the
`setting tool, adapter kit, and packer device into a Wellbore,
`to set the packer, and to detach the setting tool and adapter
`kit from the packer. One method may use jointed pipe,
`Whereas other methods may use coiled tubing, Wireline, or
`slick line, for example. The method selected to run and set
`the packer depends on a number of variables, such as time
`constraints, costs, deviation of the Wellbore, or Which part of
`the servicing cycle the Well is in. Due to the number of
`methods to run and set a packer, many different adapter kits
`are utiliZed in the oil and gas industry, such as mechanical,
`hydraulic, or Wireline adapter kits.
`[0007] One such adapter kit, a Wireline adapter kit
`(“WLAK”), is used to temporarily adapt or connect a
`Wireline setting tool to a Wireline packer device and also to
`enable the disengagement of the setting tool from the packer.
`An adapter kit used With a mechanical setting tool might
`
`utiliZe a simple coarse screW thread, such as an acme thread
`running around the perimeter of the loWer end of the adapter
`kit, to connect the setting tool to the packer. The packer has
`mating threads to engage the threads of the adapter kit. The
`relatively simple coarse screW thread also alloWs the setting
`tool to be rotationally disengaged from the packer device
`once the packer device has been set. HoWever, in some
`situations, such as in horizontal Wells, it can be relatively
`dif?cult to rotate the setting tool and adapter kit.
`
`[0008] Another means for disengaging the adapter kit
`from the packer device is a design that includes a portion of
`the connection adapted to release When subjected to a
`predetermined mechanical load. Designs that release under
`a predetermined mechanical load may be designed to release
`either automatically or manually. An automatic release
`occurs during the setting sequence, once the packer/adapter
`kit connection is subjected to a load above a predetermined
`limit. A manual release requires the application of the
`predetermined load to the adapter kit after the setting
`sequence. Examples of a manual release are rotational
`releases, as described above, or merely pulling tension into
`the adapter kit.
`[0009] One type of adapter kit that automatically releases
`under a mechanical load is a Wireline adapter kit. The release
`of a Wireline setting tool adapter kit may be accomplished by
`mechanically failing a component of the adapter kit such as
`a “release stud,” shear screW(s), a shear ring, or shear pin(s)
`With a knoWn amount of force. Such components fail With
`the application of a predetermined amount of a tensile or
`axial force. The Baker Model B WLAK is an example of an
`adapter kit that uses a device, speci?cally a release stud, that
`automatically fails With a knoWn axial force, Which in one
`siZe is approximately 33,000 lbs, When applied to the
`adapter kit.
`[0010] One potential problem With using release devices
`that fail under a designated mechanical force, such as a
`release stud or shear pin, is that debris from the release
`device remains in the Well bore after the device has released.
`This debris can accumulate on top of packing elements.
`Additionally, the debris may accumulate on or in a moving
`part of a doWnhole tool possibly causing the doWnhole tool
`to malfunction. A malfunction of the doWnhole tool
`increases the normal operating costs of the Well. Further, the
`doWnhole tool or packer may need to be removed from the
`Wellbore to clear the debris, to correct a malfunction, or to
`replace the doWnhole tool or packer itself due to a malfunc
`tion.
`
`[0011] Another disadvantage of using shear pins, or other
`mechanically failing devices, is that a hole for the insertion
`of a shear screW or shear pin is typically drilled in a
`component, such as the packer. The drilling of a hole into the
`packer may Weaken the overall strength of the packer,
`especially if the hole is drilled into a brittle material such as
`cast iron, possibly leading to premature failure of the com
`ponent.
`[0012] Other adapter kits and mechanical release devices
`are generally rather complex in design. This complexity
`increases the manufacturing and assembly costs for the
`system. Generally, mechanical release devices that release
`by failing a mechanical component, such as shear screWs,
`leave remnants of those components in the Wellbore, as
`discussed above. A build up of these remnants in the
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`

`US 2007/0151722 A1
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`Jul. 5, 2007
`
`Wellbore may require the milling out or drilling out of the
`Wellbore, Which adds to the cost of production and leads to
`delays in production from the Well.
`
`required to deform the deformable release device is resisted
`by the doWnhole tool, and is thereby converted into the
`setting force.
`
`[0013] In light of the foregoing, it Would be desirable to
`provide a release device for an adapter kit that does not leave
`remnants or debris in the Wellbore. Additionally, it Would be
`desirable to provide a release device for an adapter kit that
`reduces the need to drill holes into the packer assembly and
`the adapter kit. It Would also be desirable to provide a release
`device that simpli?es the manufacturing of the adapter kit as
`Well as the assembly of the adapter kit and packing assem
`bly, thus reducing costs. It Would further be desirable to
`provide a release device that decreases Well servicing time,
`such as drilling out doWnhole debris.
`
`[0014] The present invention is directed to overcoming, or
`at least reducing the effects of, one or more of the issues set
`forth above.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0015] The present application discloses a deformable
`release device for use in releasing a doWnhole tool after
`setting a Wellbore plug. The deformable release device is
`designed to minimiZe the likelihood of breaking or shearing
`release components, thus minimiZing debris in the Wellbore.
`The deformable release device may deform to release a
`doWnhole tool connection. In one embodiment, the deform
`able release device may be a circular plate having a central
`circular opening. The deformable release device may be
`metallic, but may be comprised of any material that suffi
`ciently deforms under a designated axial load as Would be
`recogniZed by one of ordinary skill in the art having the
`bene?t of this disclosure. LikeWise, the geometrical shape of
`the deformable release device may be one of a various
`shapes as Would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in
`the art having the bene?t of this disclosure.
`
`[0016] The deformable release device may be connected
`to the loWer end of the mandrel of a packer assembly. An
`opening of the deformable releasing device may enclose a
`central portion of a plunger that may be connected to a
`release stinger. The release stinger may be connected to a
`setting tool. The plunger may be substantially circular in
`cross-section and include an upper portion and a loWer
`portion. The outer diameter of the upper portion of the
`plunger may be smaller than the diameter of the central
`opening of the deformable release device. The outer diam
`eter of the loWer portion of the may be larger than the
`diameter of the central opening of the deformable release
`device. The deformable release device may be adapted to
`pass the loWer portion of the plunger With the application of
`a knoWn axial force.
`
`[0017] In one embodiment, a deformable release device
`having an opening may be located substantially at the
`bottom of a doWnhole tool mandrel, and may be located
`betWeen a release stinger and a plunger. When a requisite
`upWard axial force is applied to the release stinger, the
`plunger may be pulled through the deformable release
`device deforming the opening of the deformable release
`device. By modifying the material, thickness, and other
`dimensions of the deformable release device and the
`plunger, the force required for the plunger to pull through the
`deformable release device can be predetermined. The force
`
`[0018] In one embodiment, the deformable release device
`may enable the automatic disengagement of the setting tool
`from the plug. Speci?cally, once the requisite axial upWard
`force is applied to the release stinger, the plunger is pulled
`through the deformable release device. Alternatively, the
`deformable release device may be used in a manual detach
`ment of the setting tool, such as in a mechanical adapter kit
`to set a cast iron bridge plug run into the Wellbore With a
`mechanical setting tool on jointed pipe. The deformable
`release device could also be used in a Wireline adapter kit for
`setting permanent packers using a Wireline pressure setting
`assembly such as a Baker Model E-4. HoWever, the deform
`able release device of the present disclosure may be used
`With various adapter kits, setting tools, and doWnhole assem
`blies as Would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the
`art having the bene?t of this disclosure.
`
`[0019] In one embodiment, the deformable release device
`is used With a Wireline adapter kit that includes an adapter
`sleeve and a release stinger used to connect a setting tool to
`a doWnhole tool. The adapter sleeve may be threaded onto
`the Wireline pressure setting assembly and extend doWn to
`the plug assembly. One end of the release stinger may be
`threaded onto the doWnhole end of the Wireline pressure
`setting assembly. A torsional spring may prevent the release
`stinger from unintentionally unthreading from the Wireline
`pressure setting assembly. A plunger may be threaded onto
`the doWnhole end of the release stringer. A coiled spring may
`retain the plunger against the release stinger. During the
`process of setting the plug, the release stinger and the
`plunger pull up on the deformable release device connected
`to the bottom of mandrel of the doWnhole tool. Pins may
`secure the deformable release device to the mandrel. Once
`the upWard force reaches the deformation strength of the
`deformable release device, the plunger is pulled through the
`deformable release device, thus deforming the opening of
`the deformable release device and releasing the adapter kit
`and setting tool from the doWnhole tool.
`
`[0020] In one embodiment of the present disclosure the
`upper end of the plunger is adapted to connect to a release
`stinger. The upper end of the plunger may be adapted to ?t
`through an opening of the deformable release device. The
`loWer end of the plunger may be larger than the diameter of
`the deformable release device opening. Additionally, the
`plunger may include a protrusion positioned loWer than the
`deformable release device that has a larger outer diameter
`than the diameter of the opening. Alternatively, the cross
`section of the plunger and the deformable release device
`opening may be non-circular as Would be recognized by one
`of ordinary skill in the art having the bene?t of this disclo
`sure.
`
`[0021] In one embodiment, a bumper may be connectable
`to the bottom of the plunger. As Would be appreciated by one
`of ordinary skill in the art having the bene?t of this disclo
`sure, after the plunger is pulled through the deformable
`release device there may be a tendency for the Wireline
`adapter kit to bounce up and doWn due to the large force
`exerted on the assembly, Which Was previously countered by
`the deformable release device. Thus, the bumper may be
`comprised of any material, such as nylon, that Would mini
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`US 2007/0151722 A1
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`Jul. 5, 2007
`
`miZe damage of doWnhole components due to the impact of
`the bumper as the Wireline adapter kit bounces up and doWn
`in the Wellbore as Would be appreciated by one of ordinary
`skill in the art having the bene?t of this disclosure.
`
`[0022] As discussed above, the material, thickness, and
`other dimensions of the deformable release device and the
`plunger can be used to determine the amount of upWard
`force required to pull the plunger through the deformable
`release device. Generally the setting force for a plug or
`packer is knoWn. The upWard force required to deform the
`deformable release device can be set above the requisite
`setting force by adapting the material, thickness, and geom
`etry of the deformable release device and plunger. In one
`embodiment, the deformable release device may be rela
`tively ?at and may be generally circular having a circular,
`central opening. Alternatively, the deformable release device
`may be generally circular in shape, but the central portion of
`the device may be beveled and include a centrally located
`circular opening. The beveled portion may reduce the force
`needed to deform the deformable release device. Other
`con?gurations may provide the desired function as Would be
`realized by those of skill in the art having the bene?t of this
`disclosure.
`
`[0023] In one embodiment, the shape of the central open
`ing in the deformable release device may be adapted to
`reduce the requisite deforming force as Well as to control the
`deformation of the deformable release device. For example,
`tWo slots connected to the central opening may be cut into
`the deformable release device. The location of the slots can
`be adapted to control the deformation of the deformable
`release device. For example, the slots may be placed at the
`top and bottom of the opening along the vertical axis of the
`opening encouraging the deformable release device to
`deform and separate circumferentially. In another embodi
`ment, four slots connected to the central opening may be cut
`into the deformable release device. The slots may be located
`along the vertical axis and the horiZontal axis of the deform
`able release device. The shape, number, and location of the
`slots connected to the opening of the deformable release
`device could be modi?ed to better control the deformation
`force caused by the plunger as Would be recogniZed by one
`of ordinary skill in the art having the bene?t of this disclo
`sure.
`
`[0024] In one embodiment, an apparatus is disclosed for
`selectively releasing a setting tool from a doWnhole assem
`bly. The apparatus may include means, such as an adapter
`kit, to connect a stinger to the setting tool. The loWer end of
`the stinger may be connected to a plunger. The apparatus
`may include means for preventing upWards movement of the
`plunger With respect to the doWnhole assembly, such as a
`deformable device connected to the doWnhole assembly. The
`deformable device may be located betWeen the stinger and
`the plunger preventing the movement of the stinger and the
`plunger. Alternatively, a portion of the plunger may be siZed
`to prevent the passage of the plunger through a central
`opening in the deformable device. The stinger and the
`plunger may be integral or the stinger may include a portion
`larger than the central opening of the deformable device as
`Would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art
`having the bene?t of this disclosure. The apparatus may
`further include means, such as deforming the deformable
`device, that alloWs the movement of the plunger With respect
`to the doWnhole assembly. Because the deformable device
`
`deforms rather than shears or breaks it may remain con
`nected to the doWnhole assembly rather than falling into the
`Wellbore. The apparatus may further include means, such as
`a torsional spring, for preventing the accidental detachment
`of the stinger from the setting tool or the plunger from the
`stinger. The apparatus may further include means for mini
`miZing damage to doWnhole components due to the bounc
`ing of the setting tool, the stinger, and the plunger after being
`released from the doWnhole assembly. The means for mini
`miZing damage may be a nylon bumper connected to the
`bottom of the plunger, for example.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0025] FIG. 1 shoWs a cross-section of a setting tool,
`adapter kit, and packer Wherein the packer is retained on the
`adapter kit by the deformable release device of the present
`disclosure.
`
`[0026] FIG. 2 shoWs the cross-section of one embodiment
`of the plunger of the present disclosure.
`
`[0027] FIG. 3A is the cross-section of one embodiment of
`the present disclosure of a deformable release device prior to
`deformation and corresponding plunger prior.
`
`[0028] FIG. 3B is the cross-section of one embodiment of
`the present disclosure of a deformable release device prior to
`deformation and corresponding plunger having a beveled
`portion that deforms the deformable release device.
`
`[0029] FIG. 3C is the cross-section of one embodiment of
`the present disclosure of a deformable release device prior to
`deformation having a beveled portion that deforms and
`corresponding plunger having a beveled portion that
`deforms the deformable release device.
`
`[0030] FIGS. 4A-4C shoW one embodiment of the
`deformable release device of the present disclosure in use
`With an adapter kit and plug assembly. Speci?cally, FIG. 4A
`shoWs the assembly being run into the Wellbore, FIG. 4B
`shoWs the assembly as the plug is set against the Well bore,
`and FIG. 4C shoWs the removal of the adapter kit is removed
`from the Well bore after the deformable release device has
`been deformed releasing the adapter kit.
`
`[0031] FIG. 5 is the top vieW of one embodiment of the
`present disclosure of a deformable release device.
`
`[0032] FIG. 6 is the top vieW of one embodiment of the
`present disclosure of a deformable release device having
`longitudinal slots in addition to a central opening.
`
`[0033] FIG. 7 is the top vieW of one embodiment of the
`present disclosure of a deformable release device having
`longitudinal and horiZontal slots in addition to a central
`opening.
`
`[0034] FIGS. 8A-8F and 9A-9J shoW the cross-section and
`top vieW of various embodiments of the deformable release
`device of the present disclosure.
`
`[0035] While the invention is susceptible to various modi
`?cations and alternative forms, speci?c embodiments have
`been shoWn by Way of example in the draWings and Will be
`described in detail herein. HoWever, it should be understood
`that the invention is not intended to be limited to the
`particular forms disclosed. Rather, the intention is to cover
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`US 2007/0151722 A1
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`Jul. 5, 2007
`
`all modi?cations, equivalents and alternatives falling Within
`the spirit and scope of the invention as de?ned by the
`appended claims.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE
`EMBODIMENTS
`
`[0036] Illustrative embodiments of the invention are
`described beloW as they might be employed in the use of
`designs for deformable release devices to be used With
`doWnhole setting tools. In the interest of clarity, not all
`features of an actual implementation are described in this
`speci?cation. It Will of course be appreciated that in the
`development of any such actual embodiment, numerous
`implementation-speci?c decisions must be made to achieve
`the developers’ speci?c goals, such as compliance With
`system-related and business-related constraints, Which Will
`vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it Will
`be appreciated that such a development effort might be
`complex and time-consuming, but Would nevertheless be a
`routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art
`having the bene?t of this disclosure.
`
`[0037] Further aspects and advantages of the various
`embodiments of the invention Will become apparent from
`consideration of the folloWing description and draWings.
`
`[0038] FIG. 1 shoWs a Wireline pressure setting assembly
`10, speci?cally a 10 E-4 Wireline pressure assembly as
`commercially offered by Baker Hughes, Inc. of 3900 Essex
`Lane, Houston, Tex. Although shoWn in use With a B]
`Services Company Wireline adapter kit 20 and a Wireline
`pressure setting assembly 10 from Baker Hughes, Inc., the
`deformable release device 30 of the present disclosure may
`be used With various adapter kits and setting tools as Would
`be recogniZed by one of ordinary skill in the art.
`
`[0039] The Wireline adapter kit 20 of FIG. 1 includes an
`adapter sleeve 40 and a release stinger 50. The adapter
`sleeve 40 is threaded onto the Wireline pressure setting
`assembly 10 and extends doWn to the packer assembly 70,
`such as a Python Frac Plug Assembly offered by B] Services
`Company of Houston, Tex. One end of the release stinger 50
`is threaded onto the doWnhole end of the Wireline pressure
`setting assembly 10. A torsional spring 60 prevents the
`release stinger 50 from accidentally unthreading from the
`Wireline pressure setting assembly 10 due to vibrations or
`load cycling exerted on the release stinger 50. A plunger 80
`is threaded onto the doWnhole end of the release stringer 50.
`A coiled spring 90 prevents the plunger 80 from uninten
`tionally unthreading from the release stinger 50 due to
`vibrations or cyclic loading. A bumper 100 is attached to the
`end of the plunger 80.
`
`[0040] The packer assembly 70 includes an upper cap 71,
`an upper slip 72, an upper cone 73, an elastomeric packing
`element .74, a loWer cone 75, a loWer slip 76, a loWer cap
`77, and a mandrel 78. The mandrel 78, Which is Wrapped
`around a brass core 79, provides the general support for each
`of the components of the packer assembly 70. The present
`invention is adapted to be used With various types of packer
`assemblies. For the purposes of illustration, a packer assem
`bly 70 Will be described herein. HoWever, other packer
`assemblies could be set and used With the release device of
`this disclosure as Would be appreciated by one of ordinary
`skill in the art.
`
`[0041] To set the packer assembly 70, a doWnWard force
`is applied to the packer assembly 70 causing the upper slip
`72 to move up the upper cone 73. As the upper slip 72
`traverse the upper cone 73, the tapered shape of the upper
`cone 73 moves the upper slip 72 outWard and the upper slip
`72 engages the casing Wall, thus locking the packer assem
`bly 70 in place Within the Well. Once the packer assembly 70
`is locked Within the Well, the upWard force moves the loWer
`portion of the packer assembly 70 (i.e., loWer cap 77, loWer
`cone 75, and loWer slip 76) upWard toWard the upper portion
`of the packer assembly 70. Because the upper portion is
`anchored against the Wall of the casing, the movement of the
`loWer portion axially compresses the elastomeric packing
`element 74.
`
`[0042] Further application of the axial force compresses
`the elastomeric packing element 74, driving the packing
`element 74 outWardly to contact and seal against the Well
`bore. The axial compression of the elastomeric packing
`element 74 causes the packing element 74 to expand radially
`against the Well casing creating a sealing barrier that isolates
`a portion of the Well. Once the elastomeric packing element
`74 has been compressed and radially expanded, the upWard
`force causes the loWer slip 76 to traverse the loWer cone 75.
`
`[0043] The tapered shape of the loWer cone 75 moves the
`loWer slip 76 outWard until it engages the Well casing, thus
`locking the loWer portion of the packer assembly 70 in place
`Within the Well. The doWnWard force applied to set the
`packer assembly 70 causes an upWard force on the release
`stinger 50, Which is held in place by the deformable release
`device 30 resting on the protruding section 83 of the plunger
`80. The plunger 80 is attached to the loWer end of the release
`stinger 50.
`
`[0044] During the process of setting the plug, a deform
`able release device 30 retains the packer assembly 70 on the
`release stinger 50. The deformable release device 30 con
`tacts the protruding section 83 of the plunger 80, Which is
`attached to the loWer end of the release stinger 50. Pins 31
`secure the deformable release device 30 to the mandrel 78 of
`the packer assembly 70. As described above, the force
`applied by the setting tool causes an upWard force on the
`release stinger 50. The release stinger 50 is held in place by
`the deformable release device until the upWard force
`becomes greater than the force required to deform the
`deformable release device. Once the force exceeds this
`amount, the plunger 80 is pulled through the deformable
`release device 30, Which deforms the deformable release
`device 30. The deformation of the release device 30 alloWs
`for the automatic release of the setting tool 10 and adapter
`kit 20 Without any debris falling into the Wellbore. Although
`the deformable release device 30 is shoWn in use With a
`Wireline adapter kit 20 and a packer assembly 70, the
`deformable release device may be used With various adapter
`kits and plugs or packers or various doWnhole tool assem
`blies as Would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the
`art having the bene?t of this disclosure.
`
`[0045] As shoWn in FIG. 1, a bumper 100 may be attached
`to the bottom of the plunger 80. The purpose of the bumper
`100 is to minimize damage to the doWnhole components
`after the plunger 80 has been pulled through the deformable
`release device 30. Once the plunger 80 is pulled through the
`deformable release device 30 there may be a tendency for
`the assembly of the setting tool 10 and the Wireline adapter
`
`MEGCO Ex. 1006
`
`

`

`US 2007/0151722 A1
`
`Jul. 5, 2007
`
`kit 20 to bounce up and doWn due to the large force that has
`been exerted to set the plug assembly and pull the plunger
`through the deformable release device. The force Was pre
`viously countered by the deformable release device 30, but
`once the release device 30 deforms the force may cause the
`Wireline adapter kit 20 to bounce up and doWn. The bumper
`100 may be comprised of nylon to minimize damage to the
`doWnhole components that the bottom of the assembly may
`strike. The bumper could be comprised of any material that
`Would minimiZe damage due to impact as Would be appre
`ciated by one of ordinary skill in the art having the bene?t
`of this disclosure.
`
`[0046] FIG. 2 shoWs the cross-section of the plunger 80 of
`one embodiment of the present disclosure. One end 81 of the
`plunger 80 is adapted to connect to a release stinger. The end
`81 of the plunger 80 is also siZed to ?t through the opening
`of the deformable release device. The plunger 80 may
`include a protruding portion 83 that has larger outer diameter
`than the diameter of the opening of the deformable release
`device. Alternatively the outer perimeter of the entire doWn
`hole portion 82 of plunger 80 may be larger than the opening
`in the deformable release device 30. The doWnhole portion
`82 of the plunger includes a structure 84 adapted to retain a
`bumper 100.
`[0047] The protruding portion 83 of the plunger 80 may
`have a leading edge 85 adapted to deform the deformable
`release device 30. For example, the leading edge 85 may
`extend upWard from the upper portion 81 of the plunger a