Plug for a Perforated Liner and Method of Using Same

Abstract

A plug for insertion into a perforation in a liner or tubular. The plug comprises a base portion and one or more extendible portions. The base portion is securable to and receivable within the perforation. The base portion and the one or more extendible portions seal the perforation in the liner. The one or more extendible portions have a retracted position and an extended position such that when in their extended position the one or more extendible portions extend outwardly from the base portion and outwardly from the exterior surface of the liner.

1 . A plug for insertion into a perforation in a liner or tubular, the plug comprising a base portion and one or more extendible portions, said base portion securable to and receivable within said perforation said base portion and said one or more extendible portions sealing the perforation in said liner, said one or more extendible portions having a retracted position and an extended position such that when in said extended position said one or more extendible portions extend outwardly from said base portion and outwardly from the exterior surface of said liner. 
     
     
         2 . The plug as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the outer surface of said plug is generally flush with the exterior surface of said liner when said one or more extendible portions are in said retracted positions. 
     
     
         3 . The plug as claimed in  claim 1  including a plurality of said extendible portions, said plurality of extendible portions telescopically received within said base portion. 
     
     
         4 . The plug as claimed in  claim 3  wherein said base and said extendible portions are in the form of nested, concentric, cylindrical members. 
     
     
         5 . The plug as claimed in  claim 4  including seals between adjacent cylindrical members. 
     
     
         6 . The plug as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said extendible portions are constructed from a material that dissolves when exposed to an acid. 
     
     
         7 . The plug as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said extendible portions are constructed from a material that pulverizes when subjected to a pre-determined level of sonic energy. 
     
     
         8 . The plug as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said extendible portions are movable from said retracted to said extended position through pressurizing the interior of said liner. 
     
     
         9 . The plug as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said base portion is threadably received within said perforation. 
     
     
         10 . Use of the plug claimed in  claim 1  to assist in centering said liner within a bore hole. 
     
     
         11 . A plug for insertion into a perforation in a liner or tubular, the plug comprising a base portion securable to and received within a perforation in said liner, the plug further comprising one or more extendible portions having a retracted position and an extended position, when in said extended position said one or more extendible portions extending outwardly from said base portion and outwardly from the exterior surface of said liner, said base portion and said one or more extendible portions together sealing the perforation in said liner. 
     
     
         12 . The plug as claimed in  claim 11  wherein said extendible portions are movable from said retracted to said extended position through pressurizing the interior of said liner. 
     
     
         13 . The plug as claimed in  claim 11  including a plurality of said extendible portions, said base portion and said extendible portions comprising nested, concentric, cylindrical members, said plurality of extendible portions are telescopically received within said base portion. 
     
     
         14 . A method of using and deploying a plug for insertion into a perforation in a liner or tubular to be inserted into a bore hole, the plug comprising a base portion and one or more extendible portions, said base portion securable to and receivable within the perforation, said one or more extendible portions having a retracted position and an extended position, said one or more extendible portions extending outwardly from said base portion and outwardly from the exterior surface of said liner when in said extended positions, the method comprising:
 (i) inserting said plug into a perforation in the liner or tubular and securing said plug thereto;   (ii) positioning the liner or tubular at a desired location within a wellbore; and,   (iii) pressurizing the interior of the liner or tubular to move said one or more extendible portions from said retracted to said extended positions such that they extend outwardly from the exterior surface of said liner.   
     
     
         15 . The method as claimed in  claim 14  including the further step of subsequently cementing said liner or tubular in place within said wellbore through pumping or otherwise injecting cement or a cementacious-type material into the annulus between said liner and said wellbore. 
     
     
         16 . The method as claimed in  claim 15  including the further step of subsequently destroying at least said one or more extendible portions of said plug after said cement or cementacious-type material has hardened or cured. 
     
     
         17 . The method as claimed in  claim 16  wherein the destruction of said extendible portions is accomplished through subjecting said extendible portions to an acidic solution, through subjecting said extendible portions to the blast from the detonation of a charge, through drilling, through mechanical impact, or through sonic or ultrasonic vibration.