Method and apparatus for plugging a wellbore

(21) Appl. No.: 09/849,043

(22) Filed: May 4, 2001

(65) Prior Publication Data

US 2002/0162657 Al Nov. 7, 2002

(51) Int. CI.7 E21B 33/138; E21B 43/14

(52) U.S. CI 166/286; 166/297; 166/55.1;

166/177.4; 175/4.52

(58) Field of Search 166/285, 286,

166/297, 298, 55, 55.1, 55.7, 177.4; 175/4.5, 4.56, 4.54, 451, 4.52

(56) References Cited

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EP

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FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS

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OTHER PUBLICATIONS

PCT Partial International Search Report from International Application No. PCT/GB02/02012, Dated Aug. 05, 2002.

* cited by examiner

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for plugging a wellbore in a trip saving manner. In one aspect, the invention includes a cement retainer disposed on a run-in string and a radially expanded perforating assembly disposed below the cement retainer. In a single run, the apparatus provides for perforating a wellbore and squeezing cement through the perforations and into the formation therearound. In another aspect, a method of plugging the wellbore includes running a cement retainer and a radially expanded perforating assembly into a wellbore on a run-in string. After the cement retainer is set, a firing head is actuated to cause the perforating gun to discharge. After perforations are formed, cement is introduced from the cement retainer into the isolated area and squeezed through the perforations. Thereafter, the run-in string disengages from the cement retainer leaving behind the plug formed. In yet another aspect, a firing head capable of being actuated by different means is used to discharge the perforating assembly.

27 Claims, 7 Drawing Sheets